Press inquiries: Kurt Goetzinger, kurt.goetzinger@climateprotect.org
Repower Nebraska Delivers 1,238 Letters to Senators Nelson, Johanns
Calling for Passage of Clean Energy and Climate Legislation
Lincoln, Nebr. - The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower Nebraska campaign today delivered 1,238 letters, signed by constituents, to the district offices of Senators Nelson and Johanns calling for passage of comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation that will create millions of jobs, help end our dependence on foreign oil and solve the climate crisis.
“While our Senators went back to work last week, the economy is still struggling and many of Nebraska’s workers are without jobs,” said Justin Huck, Repower Nebraska state director. “Repower Nebraska members and volunteers spent the August recess talking to friends and neighbors about how transitioning to a clean energy economy will create millions of jobs and put Nebraska back to work. Today, we’re delivering the message to Congress that now is the time to pass clean energy and climate legislation that will get our economy moving forward again.”
The letters were delivered to Senator Nelson’s office by three students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Wesleyan University student and a recent graduate of UN-L. The five students (Michael Dunn; Jenny Holm; Jesse Starita; Greg Tunink; and Paul Williams) are all avid supporters of climate change legislation.
“Investing in clean energy means green jobs now and prevents ‘brain drain’ later,” said Tunink, a UN-L computer science graduate.
Referring to the potential for wind energy generation in Nebraska, UN-L student Starita said, “It’s almost un-American NOT to be innovative and take advantage of the opportunities within reach.” According to the American Wind Energy Association, Nebraska is 6th in the nation for potential wind power capacity yet is 22nd in the amount actually generated.
A Zogby International poll released in August showed that a majority of American voters — 71 percent — strongly support House-passed clean energy and climate legislation, citing the job growth that would result from enacting new clean energy policies.
Over the past few months, Repower America members and volunteers have been working to demonstrate support for transitioning to a clean energy economy, collecting more than 250,000 letters to Congress and generating over 15,000 constituent phone calls to their Senators in support of clean energy and climate legislation this year.