Hands Across the White House, the U.S. and the world

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By 1Sky intern Florencia Foxley. -- Luis

Saturday's Hands Across the Sand [2] events united thousands of citizens at more than 900 events world wide [3] -- including nearly 800 in the U.S. -- with one message: we need a clean energy economy, not more drilling. It was an incredible demonstration of Americans’ demand for our leaders to end handouts to Big Oil and invest in clean energy.

The 1Sky team in Washington, D.C. joined hands in front of the White House with hundreds of activists to ensure President Obama heard our message. Here's a picture from the White House event:

Photo Courtesy of Energy Action Coalition

1Sky organizers and leaders pulled together more than 50 events across the country calling on the Senate to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation this year. An event in Kiawah Island, South Carolina attracted a large group of residents from age four to 95, despite a temperature of 107 degrees. Participants pledged to pressure their senators to stop offshore drilling and push for renewable energy.

The Hands Across the Sand events put the U.S. Senate on the hot seat at the right time. Tomorrow, President Obama will meet with a bipartisan group of senators to figure out what kind of energy and climate legislation can muster 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The continued pressure from 1Sky and our allies is critical to passing legislation that can break our addiction to fossil fuels and move to a clean energy economy.

The enthusiasm and press generated by Hands Across the Sand is inspirational. Congratulations to all our supporters for making Saturday a rousing success. Let us remember – Saturday was just the beginning. Let’s keep the pressure on the Senate and transition to a cleaner, safer future.