THE DAY FOR CLIMATE RECKONING AND ACTION HAS COME

Daily Action
Written By Barbara Isaacman

THE COVER-UP, THE DENIAL OF THE PROBLEM, THE FUNDING OF SCIENTISTS TO QUESTION THE SCIENCE. THE SAME PATTERN.

QUICK READ: Big Oil has known that climate change is real for decades but has employed every trick in the book to support climate denialism, foster uncertainty about the science, and cover up its role in the climate catastrophe. It’s time to hold Big Oil to account and pass meaningful climate legislation.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

BACKGROUND

Shortly before President Biden flies to Europe for the Global Climate Summit, four Big Oil CEOs will appear before the House Oversight Committee to account for their role in the world’s climate crisis. Big Oil’s own research showed climate change was real decades ago. But instead of addressing the problem, it has:

Many have compared Big Oil’s behavior to Big Tobacco’s, seeing, “The cover-up, the denial of the problem, the funding of scientists to question the science. The same pattern.” 

Today’s Committee hearing and the dozens of lawsuits already filed by cities and states seeking to hold Big Oil responsible for the harm it has caused are just the beginning of a long-overdue reckoning. 

More damning internal documents and witnesses will emerge to attest to Big Oil’s intentional deception and culpability. Like Big Tobacco, Big Oil must pay for its lies and deceit and the enormous harm it has caused.

Biden faces enormous pressure to pass meaningful climate legislation. Big Oil must also be held to account. 

ACTION One: Call the Senate.

Script for Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

Thank you for agreeing to support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act and for advocating for strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better bill. Please do everything you can to introduce and pass this important legislation. Our planet can’t wait!

SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

Thank you for supporting strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better bill. It’s also past time to hold Big Oil to account.. Please join Senator Merkley in supporting the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act and making sure this vital bill is introduced and passed. Our planet can’t wait!

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

It's past time to hold Big Oil to account. All our elected representatives must support meaningful climate legislation and pass the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition. Our planet can’t wait!

ACTION TWO: Call the House.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

Thank you for supporting strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better bill, but it’s also past time to hold Big Oil to account. Please support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

It's past time to hold Big Oil to account. I call upon you to support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition and meaningful climate legislation in the Build Back Better bill. Our planet can’t wait!

While I have you on the phone, I also urge you to support The Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act (S. 421), which will directly help your constituents on the Warm Springs Reservation with the new pipes and the pumping infrastructure for clean, clear drinking water.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

Thank you for supporting strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better bill, but it’s also past time to hold Big Oil to account. Please support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition.

Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

Thank you for supporting strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better bill, but it’s also past time to hold Big Oil to account. Please support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition.

Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

It's past time to hold Big Oil to account.. I call upon you to support the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, which would require the biggest polluters to begin paying their fair share for a just clean energy transition and meaningful climate legislation in the Build Back Better bill. Our planet can’t wait!

Action 3:

Other opportunities for action include:

  • WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY, 

         FRIDAY, OCT. 29, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/

MONDAY, NOV. 1, 2:00pm-4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/

  • Contact Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum and urge her to join other states and cities in filing a lawsuit against Big Oil for the harm it has caused to Oregonians.

    503-373-7300; Ellen.f.rosenblum@doj.state.or.us

Barbara Isaacman
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