Immediate Release: April 15, 2011
Contact: Trevor FitzGibbon 202-406-0646
Brianna Cayo Cotter 415-305-1943
President Obama Meets with Power Shift Youth Clean Energy Leaders
Leaders Urge President to Protect Clean Air Act, the EPA, and Rethink “clean” Energy Policy
More than 5000 to Rally Outside of White House, BP, and Chamber Monday Morning
Washington, DC – Today at the White House, President Obama met with twelve young leaders from across the country that are in town for Power Shift 2011, a youth clean energy and climate summit being attended by over 10,000people.
The young leaders described the meeting as positive and expressed excitement about working with the Administration to transition America to 100% clean energy and protect the Clean Air Act.
“It was a real testament to President Obama’s commitment to young people that he met with youth clean energy leaders today, said Courtney Hight, Co-Director, Energy Action Coalition. “We are thankful he fought to save the Clean Air Act. That’s the man we elected and we need him to stand strong and stand up to big polluters and safeguard America’s public health.”
The young people expressed concerns with aspects of Obama’s energypolicy, particularly ongoing reliance on dirty energy sources like coal, nuclear, and natural gas. The young leaders also voiced concerns about continued subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
The President reminded the young leaders that they have the power to change this country. Grassroots organizing in communities and states will help move our nation on energy and climate.
“We’re conducting the largest grassroots organizing training in history, to prepare young leaders to go back to their communities and lead, and we’re calling on President Obama and Congress to join us in standing up to Big Polluters and creating a clean energy economy,” Maura Cowley, Co-Director of Energy Action Coalition. “Young people know we need a clean energy policy not based on things that kill people, whether it’s dirty coal or dangerous nuclear,” Cowley added.