Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Groups opposing climate bill starting rallies today

A coalition of conservative and business groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, some of its state affiliates and some other farm lobbies, is starting a series of rallies today against the House-passed "cap and trade" plan to limit climate change. The first rally will be in Houston, arguably the nation's energy capital; Energy Citizens is also planning rallies in Alaska, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states in the South and Great Plains.

The main targets appear to be "moderate Midwestern Democrats from coal, farm and manufacturing states who fear that their home industries could suffer under a system that would raise costs for coal, oil and gas use," CQPolitics reports. "Two rallies are set for New Mexico, home of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D)," Alex Kaplun of Greenwire reports for The New York Times. Click here for a tentative list of locations, from Grist, which says the rallies are Astroturf, not "grass roots."

1 comment:

Food For Thought said...

What legislation have Republicans developed during the last sixteen years to provide health care for those not covered by insurance at work?
for those who experience catastrophic medical expenses?
for those who have lost income and housing during the recessions?