http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=69681.0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2008

Contact: Kristina Johnson
415-977-5619

    True 'All of the Above' Energy Compromise Calls Bluff on Drill-Only
                                Republicans
Sierra Club Works to Ensure Bill's Focus is Clean Energy, Not Drilling

Washington, D.C.-This week, Democratic leadership in the House of
Representatives will offer a compromise energy package that will include
both clean energy investments and some expanded drilling measures.

The package includes significant investment in clean energy through a
Renewable Energy Standard, improved transit and green building measures,
and an extension of clean energy tax credits. It also protects consumers
through a crackdown on oil speculation and drilling royalty loopholes, and
offers low-income energy assistance.

The Sierra Club is working to ensure that the final package is heavy on
measures that solve our energy crisis and protect consumers, and light on
expanded offshore drilling, which will do nothing but endanger our coasts
and add to oil industry profits.

           Statement of Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope

"Congress has an opportunity this week to help pull us out of our energy
crisis by voting on a comprehensive, 'all of the above' energy compromise."

"For months, Republicans in Congress have held up clean energy legislation,
instead calling for a "drill only" policy that helps the oil industry but
does nothing to lower gas prices, protect consumers, or solve our energy
crisis."

"Speaker Pelosi has made a significant overture by presenting a package
that includes both the clean energy provisions we need to move America
forward, as well as a compromise that expands drilling off our coasts."

"Faced with the chance to vote on a truly comprehensive energy package, big
oil Republicans are already indicating they'll refuse to support it."

"They held Congress hostage and blocked measure after measure while gas
prices soared. Now they want to stop yet another comprehensive energy bill
that would deal with our energy crisis. This week, the Speaker will call
their bluff to see if they really do want to vote on drilling as part of an
energy package or whether they simply want to continue to use this as an
election issue."

"We are working to ensure that the final bill's focus is on real clean
energy solutions rather than expanded offshore drilling. While the final
package will likely include compromise drilling provisions, it offers a
chance for clean energy gains that would represent a giant step in solving
our energy crisis."

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