FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2008
CONTACT: Josh Dorner, 202.675.2384
Boehner's Bluff Called
Boehner Calls Renewable Energy, Repeal of Oil Tax Breaks "Poison Pills"
Washington, D.C.--Today Rep. John Boehner, the House GOP leader, used an opinion piece in the Washington Times and a press release to attack the Sierra Club's energy policy as "anti-American." This statement follows weeks of hysterics from Boehner and other members of his caucus over energy issues. House Republican Leadership claims that they support a comprehensive, "all of the above" energy approach, but immediately attacked just such a compromise the minute it was offered.
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director
"Over the weekend Sierra Club stated that Speaker Pelosi's new compromise energy legislation 'will force drilling supporters to admit whether they really want to move America forward or simply want to continue helping the oil companies.' Boehner's hysterical response to Pelosi's plan tells us exactly where he stands before any votes have even been cast. We now have proof positive that Boehner has chosen Big Oil over hard working Americans.
"Despite months of complaining and political stunts, Boehner and his allies are now refusing to fast-track comprehensive energy legislation. Taking a cue from arch-conservatives Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich, they oppose a compromise plan that will support renewable energy, give consumers real relief at the pump, put America on the true path to energy independence, and take back billions in government giveaways to Big Oil. So much for 'all of the above.'
"They held the Congress hostage and blocked measure after measure while gas prices soared. Now they want to stop yet another comprehensive energy bill that would deal with our energy crisis because they think it will help them win an election. Their bluff has been called and now all they have to rely is overheated and inaccurate rhetoric to defend their indefensible blockade against real energy solutions. They'll do—or say—anything to protect Big Oil and the billions in government giveaways it continues to receive while we pay record prices at the pump.
"Boehner is complaining that renewable energy, common sense policies that will bring immediate relief at the pump, and taking away billions in government giveaways from Big Oil are 'poison pills.' Boehner and other 'none of the above' supporters will find out soon enough that opposing clean energy and being in the pocket of Big Oil is what's really poisonous."
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