RELEASE: 300+ Veterans Urge Congress to Invest in Clean Energy Security
(Washington, D.C.) – To close Memorial Day weekend, Common Defense and Clean Energy for America released a joint letter calling on Congress to invest in clean energy. It was signed by over 300 veterans who served in every branch of the military.
“As veterans of America's armed forces, we've seen firsthand how dictators like Vladimir Putin use oil and gas as political weapons,” the signatories wrote. “Real energy independence is only possible if we break free from oil and gas, crack down on price gouging, and invest in cheaper, cleaner renewable energy.”
The letter comes while the U.S. Congress continues to debate investments in clean energy jobs and manufacturing and as petro-dictators use oil and natural gas as weapons against the U.S. and its allies. Veterans, especially, recognize clean energy to be the best way for America to become energy independent and less vulnerable to the dangers of depending on fossil fuels at home and on the battlefield.
“As veterans, we took an oath to protect our country and our communities. That’s why we’re calling on Congress to end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels, and start investing in clean energy,” said Perry O’Brien, Climate Justice Director and Afghanistan veteran. “Until we invest in clean, homegrown energy, foreign powers will continue to use their control of our energy resources and our economy against us. We can no longer afford to be so exposed, and energy independence is the only way to free ourselves from the grip of dictators and corporations while also ensuring we have good jobs at home. Without a strong push from us, Congress will continue in their inaction while we pay more and more for energy.”
“Memorial Day is about honoring our fallen service members, far too many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice in petro-states moving fuel around the battlefield,” said Kevin Johnson, a veteran and Board Director at the Environmental Defense Action Fund and American Resilience Project. “Like the tens of thousands of veterans coming home after two decades of war abroad, my career in the clean energy sector has been in continued service to this nation and to honor my fallen service members. Investing in clean energy technologies, here at home, will strengthen our national security.”
The text of the letter is copied below.
As veterans of America's armed forces, we've seen firsthand how dictators like Vladimir Putin use oil and gas as political weapons. This also makes it easier for oil and gas CEOs to price gouge the American people while gaining major profits from stock buybacks.
Real energy independence is only possible if we break free from oil and gas, crack down on price gouging, and invest in cheaper, cleaner renewable energy. But to do this Congress and the Biden administration must quickly invest in manufacturing and deployment of wind, solar, electric vehicles, geothermal, batteries, and other clean energy technology.
When we were called to serve and protect our nation, we showed up. Congress: the American people are now calling on you for action. It's time to deliver real clean energy security that takes the power back from hostile dictators and greedy corporations.
CONTACT:
Ben Cook
ben.cook@firesidecampaigns.com
Kris Fetterman
Kris@sevenletter.com
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Common Defense: Common Defense is the nation’s largest grassroots veterans organization. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all.
Clean Energy for America: CE4A amplifies the voice of the clean energy workforce in advocating for policies and leaders to advance just, equitable and rapid decarbonization. CE4A is a 501(c)4 organization.
