FreedomWorks Activists to Protest Anti-Energy Extremists at Capitol Rally

Washington, DC – FreedomWorks activists rallied with other pro-energy groups on Capitol Hill today in support of policies that will promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy.  .  The rally was organized in direct in opposition to the Capitol Climate Action, a gathering of anti-energy extremists calling for civil disobedience and encouraging members to get arrested in an attempt to shut down the capitol power plant.

But for Capitol Climate Action it not just a protest, but also a party.  The Capitol Climate Action web site says, “The protest is on for Monday—and it’s going to be something of a party too!”  Following the shut down of the Capitol Hill power pant, protesters are encouraged to join a “celebration after the action at The Rock and Roll Hotel.”  
 
While Capitol Climate Action is having a good time, energy policy is a serious matter that requires thoughtful action.  In order to support long term growth, America needs a diverse portfolio of energy choices–one that includes both conventional sources of energy such as coal, oil, and natural gas and unconventional sources like wind, geothermal, and hydro.  Unfortunately, too often sensible energy solutions are blocked by anti-energy extremists.
 
President Obama is already championing a cap and trade scheme that will cost consumers hundreds of billions of dollars, raising the cost of electricity by 68 percent and adding $1.27 to a gallon of gas.  Shutting down coal-fired power plants would be devastating to our energy security, leading to black outs, spiraling energy costs, and transfer millions of manufacturing jobs to our foreign competitors.

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe commented:

“Right now we need to get the economy back on its feet.  Rising energy costs will only exacerbate our problems.  Brownouts and $7 gas are not a joke.  While we would all prefer that energy is cheap and carbon free, the reality is that such technology is years away.  The truth is anti-energy radicals are opposed not just to energy development, but to our modern way of life.  The overwhelming majority of Americans want to unlock all sources of domestic energy.”

“I also think it is odd that eco-evangelicals like James Hansen and Al Gore are calling on young Americans to engage in civil disobedience with the probability of getting arrested, but choose to not put themselves at risk for arrest.”