Environmental interests seek to block energy exports, free trade

July 16, 2012, Fairfax, VA—While well-healed environmental interests attempt to shut down oil, coal and natural gas production–which account for roughly 82 percent of domestic energy use–they are simultaneously working to prevent it from being shipped overseas as well.  Environmental interests, such as the Sierra Club, are actively campaigning to shut down all natural gas export terminals in the United States while City Councils in the Oregon cities of Eugene and Portland are preparing to vote on measures aimed at restricting coal exports as well.

“This is a disappointing demonstration of just how calloused fringe environmental interests truly are,” said Ryan Houck, executive director of Free Market America. “At a time when millions of Americans are searching for work, it’s senseless to attempt to shut down industries that create jobs and remain indispensable to our economy.”

Americans for Limited Government president Bill Wilson added, “It’s abundantly clear: If your job involves producing or moving energy and you don’t receive a Solyndra-style subsidy, radical environmentalists probably want to put you out of work. It would be a terrible shame if elected
officials on the West Coast bow to these environmental groups and flagrantly disregard the interests of American workers and the essential principle of economic freedom.”

Americans for Limited Government and Free Market America partner on free market issues that focus on environmental issues. The partnership was launched earlier this year and is responsible for the viral video “If I wanted America to fail,” http://www.freemarketamerica.org, a runaway hit that scored more than 2.4 million views on YouTube.

Interview Availability: Please contact Rebekah Rast at (703) 383-0880 or at rrast@getliberty.org to arrange an interview with ALG President Bill Wilson.

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