Cross-posted from the 1Sky blog.
Yesterday we learned from our friends at Public Citizen Texas that Energy Citizen, the American Petroleum Institute's Astroturf group, wouldn't allow regular citizens with their American flags into their grassroots rally company picnic. Turns out the grassroots rally company picnic is so exclusive, you can't even get in if you're the state representative of the district where the picnic is being held! More (with video!) after the jump.
Here's the scoop from our allies at the North Carolina Conservation Network, with video:
State Representative Pricey Harrison (from Greensboro) was there as well as representatives from clean energy businesses, labor and faith communities. State Representative Harrison along with U.S. Representative Howard Coble attempted to enter the event. While Representative Coble was allowed entry, Representative Harrison (who represents the district in which the event was held) was denied access. Also allowed into the event were activists from FreedomWorks, a right-wing group that has ties to big business and the oil industry. [Emphasis added.]
Guess why Cobble was let in. That's right: he voted against ACES. Awfully exclusive for a "grassroots rally," but just exclusive enough for a company picnic. But at least this time they allowed folks from the right-wing Astroturf group FreedomWorks, so at least they're becoming more inclusive.
No wonder 71% of the American people favor clean energy legislation and bold climate action -- the opposition has become a joke.