Democratic Debate May Ignore Clean Energy
CNN Democratic Debate in Las Vegas Co-Sponsored by Coal Industry Interests! (Washington, DC) “Does Wolf Blitzer have the courage to ask the tough questions America really wants answered? Or will he give in to the debate’s corporate sponsor tonight?” stated Brian Keane, CEO of SmartPower.
Those simple questions will be a major focus of the Democratic Debate tonight in Las Vegas hosted by CNN and the Nevada Democratic Party. In a full-page advertisement in today’s Washington Post newspaper, it was stated that the debate was being co-sponsored by a group called “America’s Power.” That organization was created by “Americans for Balanced Energy Choices,” a group funded and supported by coal-based electricity providers. There is considerable debate as to whether coal is a clean energy source at all. Will the funding of this debate by coal-based electricity providers force Blitzer to ignore asking questions of the presidential candidates about clean energy options for America?
In a CBS News/New York Times Poll of April 20-24, 2007, 1,052 adults nationwide were asked, “Is using renewable energy sources to generate electricity mostly a good idea or a bad idea?” A remarkable number of people - 87% - thought that it was a good idea. Further, in that same poll, 75% of the American public were “willing to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy.” Mr. Blitzer should ask this question tonight:
“How will your Administration encourage utilities to provide a clean energy option to the 87% of Americans who are demanding one?”
During the last Democratic debate questioned were asked about Halloween costumes and UFO’s while ignoring the important subjects of clean energy and energy independence.
“I am not a gambling man, but I would wager that CNN will not be asking the Democratic Candidates many tough questions about clean energy,” stated Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “While many candidates talk about being supportive of clean and renewable energy, they do not control which questions will be asked during the debates. CNN and Wolf Blitzer have it in their power to ask these tough questions. Are CNN and Blitzer more beholden to the voters of America or to their sponsors’ interests?” Keane questioned.
For more information about clean energy and energy efficiency, please visit: www.SmartPower.org
