Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]  I have copied here only the
talking points.  If you wish to read the other items, please contact me.
The California Energy Myths article is in the current Sierran.


To: Sierra Club Staff and Volunteers
From: Ann Mesnikoff, Melinda Pierce and Megan Fowler
Date: Feb. 26, 2001
Re: Talking Points and background on Senator Murkowski's Energy Bill

"Senator Murkowski's bill is a give-away for fossil fuel producers," said
Ann Mesnikoff, the Sierra Club Washington Representative. "All it leaves
for renewable and clean energy are table scraps."

"Murkowski isn't introducing an energy bill, he's introducing an energy
industry bill," said Melinda Pierce, Sierra Club Senior Washington
Representative. "He wants more mines, more dams, and more drilling.  Trying
to drill our way out of energy problems creates more global warming, more
air pollution and devastates our last wildlands. Given the nation's energy
needs and the public's desire for environmental protection, this bill is
irresponsible."

CONTENTS:
I. Talking Points
II. National Press Release
III. Fact Sheet on Bill
IV. AP Energy Poll
V. California Energy Myths V. Facts (Resent from Jan. 31 per Field Request)
VI. Tips on how to Conserve Energy (Resent from Jan. 31 per Field Request)

Below are talking points and additional information on the so-called energy
bill introduced today by Senator Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska). In addition,
we have a cover memo and talking points leaked to Ann Mesnikoff that are
from the oil and gas industry. If you would like a copy of this to show
depth of involvement the industry had in orchestrating this bill, please
contact Megan Fowler at [log in to unmask] If you have questions
about the bill please call Ann Mesnikoff or Melinda Pierce at (202)
547-1141.  Thanks.
*******************
I. Talking Points

* The Murkowski bill is a pitiful excuse for an energy plan. The Murkowski
bill only develops a few sources of oil and gas that won't meet our energy
needs now or in the future. Drilling for oil in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge will do little or nothing to address America's energy
needs.
     FACT: According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the oil most likely to
be recovered from the Refuge would       amount to less than a six-month
supply for America.  In addition, it would take at least 10 years to do the
     exploration, construction, and drilling necessary to get it to U.S.
markets.

* The Murkowski bill claims that it assists California by developing oil,
but drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge would have no impact on
California's electricity problems or any other state's electricity
problems.
     FACT: Most U.S. electric power plants do not use oil. Less than 1
percent of California's electricity is        generated by burning oil, and
the average for the United States as a whole is only 3 percent.

* True energy solutions set America on the path of a sustainable, clean and
affordable energy future. We must increase efficiency, develop renewable
energy, and replace older power plants with more efficient, less polluting
power plants.

* The Murkowski bill simply gives oil industries a new playground -- and
the Arctic is the last place that should be used as a polluter's
playground. This bill is a give-away for fossil fuel producers. It destroys
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, increases global warming pollution,
allows automakers to sell more gas guzzlers by giving them credit for
vehicles which could run on alternative fuel but never do, restricts the
U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) and Forest Service's authority to
protect fish and wildlife and water quality, and increases subsidies to
coal, oil, gas and nuclear industries.  (See coalition factsheet attached.)

* The Murkowski bill ignores raising automobile fuel efficiency standards
even though forty percent of U.S. oil consumption is used in
transportation.
     FACT: According to EPA scientists, increasing fuel efficiency for
cars, mini-vans, and SUVs by just 3 miles     per gallon would save more
oil within 10 years than might ever be produced from the Arctic National
Wildlife  Refuge.

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