WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA.  Twenty-two Freedomworks members from 3 chapters-- McDowell, Macon and Buncombe Counties-- rallied for sensible energy policy and against recent votes in Congress to place price controls on gasoline.  FreedomWorks received press coverage from WLOS TV  ABC and the Asheville Tribune as they rallied outside Congressman Heath Shuler’s Asheville office. 

No better example of nonsensical energy policy is the federal indulgence with corn ethanol fuel, a heavily subsidized product that is a net loser for the economy, the environment, and for our energy security.

This week, the Senate is debating a series of crucial cloture votes on the future of U.S. energy policy. On behalf of the more than 850,000 Freedom Works members nationwide, I urge you to vote ‘NO’ on cloture for the Senate Finance Proposal, the Reid substitute, and S. 1419. This legislation would damage efforts to secure reliable and efficient energy sources by imposing a series of tax increases that penalize domestic production while diverting resources to more costly alternative fuel sources.

Energy prices are driven primarily by a balance between supply and demand. With Americans facing record energy prices, Congress should embrace policies that will expand production and boost energy supplies. FreedomWorks activists have been visiting congressional offices in recent weeks to deliver the message that we need a sensible energy policy that promotes secure and reliable forms of energy at stable prices. What is not needed is sound bit politics that will create red tape and drive up the costs of energy.

View the letter as a .pdf Washington, D. C. 14th June 2007Dear Senator: The undersigned organizations are writing to share our concerns about S. 1419, the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, sponsored by Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). This bill should be titled the Making Energy Less Affordable Act.View the letter as a .pdf Washington, D. C. 14th June 2007Dear Senator:

On behalf of nearly 850,000 FreedomWorks members nationwide, I respectfully urge you to VOTE YES on the Gas Petroleum Refiner Improvement and Community Empowerment Act of 2007, or the Gas Price Act, Senator James Inhofe’s (R-OK) amendment to the energy bill currently before the Senate. This amendment would help stem the rise of gas prices by pushing for energy independence through an increase in domestic refinery capacity. This amendment would encourage more domestic oil production by easing the regulatory permitting process for the expansion of present refineries as well as the construction of new facilities. In addition, it would spur broader capacity and efficiency by reducing environmental permit hurdles and encouraging construction on closed military bases.

Denver’s new global warming “Climate Action Plan,” is compromised from the top. The co-chairman of the task force, Benita Duran, is also an executive with the global firm CH2M HILL. Headquartered in Denver, CH2M HILL’s businesses include carbon offset consulting, renewable energy services, and supply- and demand-side energy management. The firm had over $4.5 billion in revenues last year. CH2M HILL is also a “major donor” to Mayor John Hicklenlooper’s political campaign giving $1,500 on April 30, 2007.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA. On June 1st, FreedomWorks members attended the NC Republican Convention to meet various officials and spread the word about the Freedom Agenda.  Pictured below is volunteer leader Molly Black having Congresswoman Myrick to sign our Panda energy campaign sticker.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA.  FreedomWorks volunteer leaders Gerald Anderson and Bill Lack met with Bruce Peterson, the District Director for Congressman Heath Shuler, to discuss HR 2262 and other issues.  During the 30 minute meeting, FreedomWorks made the the case that we did not need more regulations and price controls on domestic refining and distribution.  Rep. Shuler has not yet taken a position on this legislation.