We Won't be Fooled Again

This is a guest post from Whit Jones, coordinator with the Energy Action Coalition. 1Sky is supporting Fossil Fools Day 2008 this April 1 — click here to get involved. 

On April 1st thousands of young people will hit the streets to show that in the face of inaction in Congress, they are going to stand directly in the path of dirty energy development. With over 100 actions planned around the U.S. and Canada, the targets are diverse, and the tactics creative, but the message is clear: Stop fooling around withthe climate and our future!

In Virginia and North Carolina, students will be joining community members and organizations to stand in the way of coal expansion. Students will rally in opposition to a proposed Wise County, VA coal-fired power plant, and deliver Thomas Farrell, CEO of Dominion Energy, an award for being the biggest Fossil Fool in Virginia. In North Carolina, youth will demonstrate against the proposed Cliffside plant– they’ll have the ear of Governor Easley as they erect a gigantic blow-up coal plant in Charlotte and call out Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers for Outstanding Performance in Corporate greenwashing.

In Washington, D.C., citizens will highlight unrelenting gluttony in the oil industry. Congressman Markey (D MA-7) has subpoenaed the CEOs of the 5 largest oil companies to testify in his Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and "Look Americans in the face and tell them why they can’t support new solutions." Youngpeople and local residents will greet the CEOs and make sure our message rings loud and clear "You can’t fool us again!  Put the Green in the Economy, Not in Oil Industry Pockets."

The action won’t be confined to the U.S. We’ll be joined by our friends with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, and Rising Tide UK.  Even UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be under the spotlight for his support of the Kingsworth Coal Plant.

The day is sure to be filled with revelry and fun, so be sure to join an action near you!