We did it! 60,000 in time for Energy Independence Day

As July 4 nears - and as our nation nears its second independence, this time on energy - we have passed an important threshhold in Pennsylvania. This afternoon, we passed 60,000 committed allies in our state to fight to secure a new green energy economy for America.

This milestone is the direct work of a talented team of grassroots organizers on the ground! 60,000 is a tremendous first step.

Now, can you take me to 76,000? I dare you...

They said it couldn't be done

On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives took a historic move towards moving the American energy economy toward clean, renewable power. The House voted late Friday 219-212 for passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Although some Senators (Sen. James Inhofe R-OK) are claiming the bill is DOA (Dead on Arrival) in the U.S. Senate, I wouldn't be so sure. We're one major crisis away from $4.00 a gallon gasoline at a time when the American people are demanding clear and positive change from the old ways of doing things.

Stay tuned to where this issue goes in the U.S. Congress by joining Repower America today.

A House Vote Nears, Activists Make "Last Call"

The Clean Energy Jobs plan, HR 2454, is on the verge of coming to the floor for final passage. We need your help to make sure it gets through the House of Representatives. Come join us Friday from 4 - 7pm for a BYOC (Bring your own cell) Phone Bank at Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, under the tent as we call Repower members in targeted districts, asking them to put the heat on their Representatives. Lemonade, fresh produce, and quarters for meters will be provided to volunteers.

Opponents of the bill - devoid of any new ideas - have resorted to making up their own facts and statistics about the bill's impacts. Here's the truth: Clean energy isn't a tax on consumers; it's a boom to our economy by finally unlocking the potential of the green energy sector. Most consumers who don't take a single step to use energy more wisely will see their price of energy increase by about the cost of a postage stamp a day. But consumers who are wise and work to conserve energy and use it more efficiently will actually see reductions in their energy bills because this bill makes efficiency and conservation more achievable for average consumers.

This is the first-ever vote by the U.S. Congress to cap carbon dioxide emissions. The bill also invests in green jobs and clean energy by setting a national renewable energy porfolio standard and sets goals for the development of a Smart Electricty Grid - one that reduces waste and excess.

"The whole world is looking at our capital. The whole world is waiting to see whether or not president Obama can arrive in Coppenhagen as leader of the attempt to reduce green house gases while at the same time unleashing a clean energy job revolution in our country and on our planet," said Congressman Ed Markey at a press conference Wednesday.

And Tuesday, President Obama called on the Congress to pass The American Clean Energy and Security Act. This is the historic change we can believe in. This is the change we need to make now if we are are avert global climate catastrophe. This is your moment. Will you join us to make history?

Al Gore says our best response to the attacks of the far right is "reality"

Former Vice President Al Gore addressed thousands of people across America tonight on a nationwide calling, calling each of us to action in the most critical week of the fight to secure energy independence and meaningful climate legislation thus far. I'm paraphrasing, but this is some of what Mr. Gore had to say tonight:

We need each of you to call your member of Congress. Let them know how important it is for the U.S. to finally act to curb the polluting emissions associated with global climate change. You won't believe how easy it is to call your member of Congress and tell them to vote YES on final passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act

Friday the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up HR 2454 for final passage. It will take 218 votes to pass the landmark legislation, and the final score is not nearly as important as getting it done and sent to the U.S. Senate where a broad coalition will work to pass this bill for the President's signature before the world meets in Copenhagen.

Congressman Doyle (D-Pittsburgh) Supports Energy Independence for America

Repower America Doyle Press Conference 6-22 002
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

At a press conference on Monday, Rep. Mike Doyle (D) PA-14, indicated he will support the American Climate and Energy Security Act when it comes up for a vote on Friday.

Mr. Doyle said "In short, this bill has been carefully drafted to reduce global warming while protecting consumers and creating jobs in the USA, not killing them."

The legislation is supported by the Repower America Campaign and the United States Climate Action Partnership, which includes Alcoa, BP America, Caterpillar, Dow, Duke Energy, DuPont, Elelon, Ford, GE, GM, Johnson & Johnson, NRG Energy, Shell, PG&E and Siemens.

Former Vice President Al Gore will host a national conference call tonight at 8:00 PM EDT to talk about the historic moment the nation faces in possibly enacting energy independence and global climate change legislation in the U.S. this year.

Vice President Gore wants to speak to you Tuesday Night

We've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the latest on historic climate and energy legislation that's moving through Congress, and how you can help.

Reserve your spot now to listen to a special briefing by Al Gore on Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. (EDT). On Tuesday, we'll call and connect you to the briefing at the number you provide on this sign up page at Repower America.

Can we reach 60,000 by Father's Day?

The time has come for the meaningful first steps to cap carbon dioxide emissions, invest in a smart gid, and make all new buildings emissions neutral in America. Those are some of the aims of HB 2454.

Repower America is nearing 60,000 members in Pennsylvania alone. Will you help to put us over the mark? All you need to do is go to the PA specific Repower America site and sign up to be part of this grassroots movement to create a green economy in America.

What are you waiting for? Sign up for Repower America right now.

Powered Up in PA

With the addition of a State Director, the Repower America Campaign is officially up and running in Pennsylvania. With a full compliment of high energy and dedicated staff (and many more to come), the activity level around energy awareness and energy independence is going to take off like a biofuel powered funy car.

This is the first of many posts about the journey Pennsylvanians will make to better understand their role in the energy-climate future of our planet. We're looking forward to you joining the ranks of the Repower America Campaign here in PA.

What is the goal of my staff in Pennsylvania?

• Host educational events in local communities to raise awarness about the need to act this year on energy and climate legislation.
• Provide workshops and training for families, businesses, and communities about how to be more energy aware and energy efficient.
• Reach, train, and mobilize a grassroots movement to demand action that will spur the U.S. economy, create thousands of jobs, and ensure we're meeting out responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. Our children do not deserve a future where the polar bear only exists in museums and legends.
• Highlight the growing support for concrete action on carbon dioxide pollution limits in America before the world meets in Copenhagen in December.