The current House version of the large clean energy bill rolls-back the Clean Air Act, paving the way for a reported 100 new dirty coal plants... and the expense of renewable energy and clean energy jobs. As a Senate committee debates their version, both Coal industry lobbyists and environmental activists are vying to influence Congress.

On July 23rd, MoveOn.org Councils are holding rallies outside various Senate offices, many presenting press events with compelling visual messages of the 100 coal plants that the current House bill promotes. The organizers will be holding signs, and presenting other creative images such as mockup of a field of 100 smokestacks, or forming a big number "100" with the 1 replaced by a smokestack.

"Sen. Gillibrand for Standing Up to Coal Lobbyists" - The Senator is on the Environment and Public Works committee, and is one of the very first senators to speak out publicly against rolling back the Clean Air Act. She told the Albany Times-Union that "The EPA has to have authority to regulate coal plants under the Clean Air Act" and promised "to use every bit of persuasive power" to ensure the bill "reflects the needs of New York" by cutting power plant pollution (Story at http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=819107 ).

The group is gathering to applaud Senator Gillibrand's leadership, and to say they stand with her "...for a clean energy future, and against a weakened Clean Air Act and 100 new coal plants. We also will be publicly thanking Rep. Paul Tonko, a long time leader who is working hard for a Clean Energy future."

Rep. Paul Tonko's story is at http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=819954

Participants in the rally are asked to sign up to attend at http://pol.moveon.org/event/coalrally/94539, and to bring signs, thank you cards, balloons, etc.

Also, those interested in joining the MoveOn local council can visit http://MoveOn.org/team

Location:
Outside Leo O'Brien Federal Building
North Pearl St, off Clinton Ave (across from Palace Theater)
Albany, NY 12207
Map and directions:
maps.google.com...

Contact: 518 583-4326, or via the email address below.

Sponsored by: MoveOn Capital Region Council.