on the road

January 8th – January 26th, 2008

As a non-partisan non-profit organization, we were a little wary driving into South Carolina for primary season. Our understanding of our role as activists changed the minute we stepped off the sidelines and jumped into the game. By day 3, Andrew was dressed as a jellyfish and we were holding “Clean Energy“ signs next to activists in SCUBA gear and snowwoman costumes at the “Make a Splash“ rally. Seriously, check the slideshow on the On the Road page.

And here we are, travelling in and out of Columbia, South Carolina, working on a 10 organization coalition (and growing!) pushing the Environment America Clean Energy Pledge, in hopes that whichever candidate makes it to the White House will take on the full challenge of CLEAN energy independence. Our bus is parked behind the officespace which was donated to the cause, and we’re working as a team of 14 activists, working together to run this campaign in South Carolina.

Check out some of our coalition partners and their work in placing climate change at the forefront of the presidential primaries!

• the Heat is On!!, the League of Conservation Voters campaign
• One Sky, one climate, one future, one chance
• the Coastal Conservation League
• the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
• the Carbon Coalition

As a bit of follow-up, Brenna and Jon attended the State Corporation Commission hearing regarding the proposed coal-fired plant in Wise County, Va. Expecting a small group of the powerful activists we worked with in Wise, we walked into the SCC building to find two courtrooms overflowing with the young and the old from all over the state. 176 people registered to make a public testimony before the judges and legal teams. For more information, check out the Richmond Times Dispatch article on InRich.com. It was a moving show of the conflicts and emotions inherent in these issues.

So, keep an eye out for our continued activities in South Carolina. Check out In the Press for the attention that we and this powerful group of activists are receiving in promotion of a Clean Energy Future for America!