

The groups noted that the oil and gas industry receives $9.4 billion annually in special tax breaks, funds that would be better spent investing in long term solutions such high tech vehicles, the next generation of renewable fuels, and transportation improvements. “Coffman and Lamborn continue to put Big Oil profits first.” "The 'Flat Earth Society' members of Congress have fallen flat on doing what's right - providing relief on gas prices and promoting real energy independence,” said Matt Garrington, co-director of the Checks and Balances Project. The groups also called the hearing a waste of taxpayer dollars, especially given the fact that the Interior Department’s new draft fracking rules were actually met with praise by some in industry this week. Coloradans need to grab their air, water, public lands, and democracy because Big Oil wants to buy them all. The hearing is nothing but a Big Oil funded charade put on by Lamborn and Coffman, charter members of the Flat Earth Society. The groups greeted Lamborn and the hearing with a banner that said, “Welcome, Flat Earth Society” – a reference to a recent National Press Club speech by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar where he argued Republicans were out of touch on energy policy and the realities on the ground. Doug Lamborn chairs the committee, and Rep. House Energy and Minerals Subcommittee field hearing on federal oversight of oil and gas fracking operations. Groups call for energy reality check, end of excessive taxpayer handouts to Big Oil Several Colorado groups took members of Congress to task today over their failed energy policies, political rhetoric, and ties to industry.Ĭlean Water Action, Colorado Fair Share Alliance, the Checks and Balances Project and local activists gathered on the steps of the state capitol early this morning in anticipation of a U.S.

The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.īy Gary Wockner, Colorado Program Director
