We didn’t think this could happen because the oil industry has been telling us their operations were safe — even in the most dangerous or sensitive environments. Clearly, they told us wrong.
We must demand that Washington turn this tragedy into the catalyst that finally brings us a sustainable, balanced long-term energy plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and domestic off-shore oil drilling.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about taking back our future from the giant oil companies and making America an energy leader. Any energy plan passed by our leaders must:
End our dependence on foreign oil ASAP. Aggressively pursue a comprehensive clean energy policy at home – wind, solar, geothermal and other sustainable energy that we can use this decade. Reward innovation.
Ensure consumers are protected, and help us do our part, too. Provide rebates and incentives to encourage clean energy use, conservation and energy efficiency at home. Make companies pay for pollution, and use that revenue to help consumers.
Change won’t happen until American consumers call for it. Take a moment to do that right now!
This is a big agenda, but it’s doable, and it has to happen if we want to end these BP-style nightmares.
Please join us for an all-out push in these coming weeks to put this aggressive agenda before our leaders, and hold them accountable for making it happen. We all have to do our part if we are to take back our future.
Sincerely,
Shannon Baker-Branstetter
Consumers Union
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036