The Shell cracker plant under construction near Beaver, PA. This huge industrial facility is one of five or more such plants that would be part of the proposed Appalachian Storage Hub/petrochemical complex. This 4/2/2019 photo is courtesy of Ted Auch PhD, Great Lakes Program Coordinator, FracTracker Alliance, fractracker.org/photos.

Update: We did it! Now stayed tuned for action we will need over in the Senate.

House Votes to Block Trump from Using Clean Energy Funds to Back Fossil Fuels Project

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At any time this week the House of Representatives could vote on an amendment that would stop the Department of Energy from financially backing dirty energy projects masquerading as clean energy projects. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced an amendment that would require the Department of Energy to only back energy projects that address and mitigate climate change.

It’s called Amendment 105 to Rule 2 on HR 2740, the Omar-Jayapal Amendment.

What would this amendment do? Energy companies would have to demonstrate how proposed projects would meet heightened standards. One affected project is the proposed massive petrochemical build-out along the Ohio River here in Appalachia. This enormous network of infrastructure is intended to store and process fracked gas in order to churn out more plastic. This amendment would effectively hold back the Department of Energy from quickly deciding to financially back the project.

Here is how you can take action:

First: Sign this petition to send a message to your rep telling them to vote yes on the amendment.

Next: Call your representative! You can use this number with a recorded prompt 1-866-946-1451, but feel free to call the offices directly.

Here are two sample scripts you can use:
Short Version: I urge you to support the Omar-Jayapal amendment 105 in Rule 2 on HR 2740. We need more renewable energy, not more fossil fuels.”

Longer Version: “I’m a constituent and I’m calling to ask Representative [insert rep name here] to support the Omar-Jayapal amendment 105 in Rule 2 on HR 2740. We have little time to stop the worst of the climate crisis, and the federal government should not be giving handouts to the fossil fuel industry. We should be investing in clean energy, not fracking and plastics.”

Ultimately, we need comprehensive legislation that would move us to 100% clean, renewable energy on a swift timeline, but this amendment is a great step in the right direction.

Food and Water Watch, OVEC volunteers and staff, and assorted local, regional and national allies have worked hard to get us to this point. Please help out by taking these actions today!

And tomorrow, if you are in the Charleston area, please come out to a rally and press conference in opposition to Rockwool.

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