Big Oil and True Grassroots Support

A group of about 50 concerned citizen activists came out to the Greensboro Coliseum tonight to show their support for clean energy and green jobs legislation. They came out because of the event being held inside the coliseum organized by Energy Citizens—a front for the American Petroleum Institute—who paid to bus people in who work for the organizations they represent. The group is also actively opposing federal energy reform that addresses climate change. Local folks gathered on the sidewalks surrounding the coliseum to make sure that voices in support of federal action on energy were heard. While a drum corps provided the entertainment, the citizen-activists held signs and banners calling on Senator Kay Hagan (North Carolina) to support efforts in the US Senate to pass strong clean energy and climate legislation this year.

State Representative Pricey Harrison (from Greensboro) was there as well as representatives from clean energy businesses, labor and faith communities. State Representative Harrison along with U.S. Representative Howard Coble attempted to enter the event. While Representative Coble was allowed entry, Representative Harrison (who represents the district in which the event was held) was denied access. Also allowed into the event were activists from FreedomWorks, a right-wing  group that has ties to big business and the oil industry.

See below to watch a short video on the rally and Rep. Harrison's experience.

Two folks with our group were able to get inside the event. At the door they were asked if they had tickets or if they were invited to the event. They were also asked if they had taken a position on cap and trade.  After telling the door folks they were just checking out the event and wanted to learn more they were let in to enjoy the hot dogs, hamburgers, and sweet tea. Once inside, event organizers were asking folks to take materials and sign postcards. Howard Coble was invited to speak because “he got it right with his vote” against the American Clean Energy and Securities Act. One speaker told the crowd about how climate change was not caused by human activity. The event had all the bells and whistles of a pricey corporate event although it was marketed as an attempt to put a “human face” on efforts to derail clean energy and green jobs legislation.

In true grassroots fashion 50 citizen activists braved the August heat and were able generate a lot of support from the general public.