The Senate has voted on some amendments to its seriously flawed Energy Bill, and here's how Senators Harkin and Grassley have voted so far:
 
1. On the amendment to adopt a 10% by 2020 Renewable Energy Standard, both voted yes - please call them and thank them! Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121. Please call today and ask to be connected to Harkin's and Grassley's offices.
 
Main points to make about the renewable energy standard:
I want to thank Senator XX for voting to increase America s use of clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.  It is important that our country diversify our energy sources and start using the innovative renewable energy sources that can produce clean energy for our country.  Increasing our use of renewable energy will not only protect the environment, but it will create new jobs and bring income to rural communities.  I hope that the Senator will continue to fight for a Renewable Energy Standard in any energy policy.    
 
 
2. On the amendment to stop offshore oil exploration, Harkin voted yes and Grassley voted no. Please thank Sen. Harkin and express your disappointment to Sen. Grassley by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
 
Main points on offshore oil exploration:
Currently, the energy bill includes language that breaks the decades long moratorium on oil and gas activities along the Atlantic, Pacific, and parts of the Gulf coasts.  The bill would allow for the first time invasive oil and gas exploration along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).  Sen. Nelson (D-FL), Sen. Martinez (R-FL), and Sen. Corzine (D-NJ) are leading the fight to remove these provisions as well as defeat other expected efforts to drill along the OCS.  We are preparing for additional amendments from Sen. Landrieu (D-LA) and possibly others to allow state governors to opt out of the current oil and gas drilling moratorium and pushing states to do so by providing the states with 50% of drilling royalties.

Thank You to Harkin: I'd like to thank Senator XX for voting to remove the dangerous offshore oil and gas inventory provisions from the energy bill.  This provision would have harmed marine life and opened the door to destructive drilling along our coastlines.  I urge the Senator to keep up the fight to protect our coastlines from oil and gas drilling. 
To Grassley:  I am deeply disappointed that Senator XX voted to open up our precious coastlines to oil and gas exploration.  Allowing an inventory along the Outer Continental Shelf will damage marine life and open up the door to destructive oil and gas drilling along our coastlines.  I urge the Senator to reconsider his/her position and come out in favor of protecting our coastal communities, marine life, and shorelines. 
 
 
3. CAFE Standards: There will be two amendments in support of stronger CAFE standards next week, so please encourage the Senators to vote in support of them! Our message:
 
This is the biggest single step we can take to saving money at the gas pump, curbing global warming, and cutting America s oil dependence.  Now more than ever, America needs to reduce its dangerous dependence on foreign oil.  I want to thank the Senator for taking this important vote and continue to support fuel economy improvements in the future. 

Please call Senators Harkin and Grassley today - Americans deserve an energy policy that invests in renewable technology, protects public health, and holds polluters accountable! For more information on this year's energy bill, see Sunday's Des Moines Register editorial at  http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050619/OPINION03/506190314/1110