Ukraine Invasion, Inflation and The Environmental Crisis
Putin’s military campaign against Ukraine has laid bare our overreliance on fossil fuels, which we must end if we wish to save our planet.
QUICK READ: The Russian invasion of Ukraine underscores our excessive dependence on fossil fuels, leaving us at the mercy of both oil producing nations, many ruled by unsavory strong men, and giant transnational oil companies that are engaging in price gouging at the expense of the American public. We must oppose GOP calls to increase oil production, which would have devastating environmental effects.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
The Russian invasion of Ukraine underscores our excessive dependence on fossil fuels, leaving us at the mercy of both oil producing nations (many ruled by unsavory strong men) and giant transnational oil companies that are engaging in price gouging at the expense of the American people.
The oil shortage caused by sanctions against Russia is exacerbating the rising inflation already eating into Americans’ purchasing power. America’s annual rate of inflation jumped 6.8% in February and inflation is expected to be over 7% for the foreseeable future.
GOP politicians and the fossil-fuel industry see this as an opportunity to subvert Biden’s environmental initiatives and enrich their shareholders by demanding increased oil production. To draw attention against oil profiteering, they’re fueling misinformation by claiming incorrectly that Biden reduced domestic output.
Scientists warn that, unless the world immediately slashes its use of oil, gas, and coal, our planet will be immeasurably damaged.
Environmentalists, already discouraged by Biden’s failure to take meaningful steps to implement his climate policy, are fighting back against these short-sighted demands.
Our MoCs must join them in opposing increased reliance on fossil fuels and in augmenting investments in renewable energy.
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].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
SEN. WYDEN:
Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
(Messages and calls are most effective if they are personal. Scripts are here to help.)
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Support a windfall profit tax on oil companies Recognize the reality of the climate crisis and support clean energy initiatives.
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].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
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].
Support a windfall profit tax on oil companies Recognize the reality of the climate crisis and support clean energy initiatives.
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].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
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].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
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].
To save our planet, we must end our overreliance on fossil fuels. Instead of succumbing to GOP demands for more oil production, we must:
- Impose a windfall profit tax on oil companies, using this revenue to send rebates to American families.
- Continue fighting for programs that put more money in the pockets of families, such as controlling the price of medicine and a child tax credit
- Speak out publicly about the need to make America energy independent by investing in clean energy.
- Remind voters this oil crisis is caused by Putin, the very dictator heralded as a “genius” by Trump and MAGA Republican allies.
ACTION 3: Join the fight
For Ukraine. Links from Ukraine historian and author “On Tyranny,” Timothy Snyder: Yet one thing is encouraging: whenever I speak to my colleagues in Ukraine, they are all doing something. The everyday courage is astonishing. We should help if we can. When I spoke to colleagues in Poland today, I was also astonished by the swift reaction of civil society to more than a million Ukrainians refugees. I think we should affirm that impulse when we can.
Here are a few ways to help. I have made donations today and I hope you will too.
1. Ukrainian reporters are, directly or indirectly, our main source of information about this war. Many of them are at work now at risk to themselves without salaries and proper protective gear. A fund that will direct support and equipment to journalists taking risks in Ukraine is 2402. Have a look.
2. For Americans who want a tax deduction, Razom remains a good bet. This is a volunteer organization that will make good judgements about partners for humanitarian assistance. Donate to Razom here.
3. Hundreds of small Polish NGOs are assisting Ukrainian refugees now. One of them that deserves support is Homo Faber in Lublin, near where many Ukrainian refugees cross. You can help them with a bank transfer:
Name of recipient: Stowarzyszenie Homo Faber; Purpose: Ukraina; IBAN: PL 93 1940 1076 3069 8598 0000 0000; SWIFT: AGRIPLPRXXX; Name of bank: Credit Agricole Bank Polska SA, ul. Legnicka 48, 54-202 Wrocław, Polska. If you are on PayPal you might also be able to reach them that way: PayPal Stowarzyszenie Homo Faber, ul. Chopina, 41, lok. 2, 20-023 Lublin, e-mail: info@hf.org.pl.
4. People have been using Airbnb as a way to transfer money to individual Ukrainians by booking rooms they do not intend to use. If you do this, make sure the phone number of your host has a 380 prefix (country code for Ukraine) and contact the host ahead of time. Airbnb as a a company also enables people to help in another way, by offering lodging to Ukrainian refugees.
5. Canada has a large and well-organized Ukrainian diaspora, and its organizations are raising money for assistance to Ukraine. Here is the the appeal of the Canadian Red Cross.
6. To provide assistance to civilians in need, you can now donate directly by credit card to the Ukrainian Red Cross.
7. The Russian press blackout is shocking. I urge you, if you want to support Russian reporters, to fund Meduza, working from Riga.
PS: The interest in supporting the Ukrainian armed forces is consistent, so I repeat that information here.
The organization Come Back Alive concentrates on protective gear and other equipment for soldiers. You can donate using the information here.
Army SOS supplies medical equipment but also everything a soldier might need. You can donate in cryptocurrency following this link or make a bank transfer in dollars via: IBAN: UA203052990000026003016809842; SWIFT: PBANUA2XXXX; Bank: JSC CB "PRIVATBANK
You can contribute directly to the Ukrainian armed forces via credit card. If you prefer a bank transfer that information is here.
GOOD TROUBLE: Below are opportunities to fight for our democracy. As John Lewis said, go make some “good trouble.”
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Join the campaign to hold the House and Senate at GiveNoGround.org
Work to protect democracy in the House by replacing retiring US Representative Peter DeFazio with another Democrat, replacing Democrat Kurt Schrader, the “Manchin of the House,” with a progressive, and electing a Democrat in Oregon’s new Congressional District 6.
Demand that your primary news source stop creating false equivalencies and just report the truth.
Check out the Poor People's Campaign Readies 'Massive, Nonviolent' Effort to Save Democracy
Outside of Portland? Check out COIN Oregon.
Rally inconsisent Democratic voters to vote in 2022 with Progressive Turnout Project | Feb, 2022 | Medium
FURTHER READING:
Russia takes aim at urban areas; Biden vows Putin will ‘pay’
As War Rages, a Struggle to Balance Energy Crunch and Climate Crisis
Ukraine war: Oil price rises again due to fears over Russian shortfall
How Big a Threat to the US Economy Is the War in Ukraine?
War in Ukraine Fans the Flames of Global Inflation
Biggest Oil Giants Made ‘Eye-Popping’ $205 Billion in Profits in 2021; Report
