Creating Energy Consciousness on the Campaign Trail

With the presidential primary swinging into high gear, Carbon Coalition volunteers and staff have had their hands full this summer. Over the past several weeks, Coalition members have attended more than a dozen campaign events, all the while distributing literature and bumper stickers, talking to folks from communities throughout New Hampshire about their energy concerns, and most importantly, repeatedly engaging the leading presidential candidates in discussion of what a responsible U.S. energy policy can—and should—involve.

Since forming in April, the Carbon Coalition has garnered support from more than 200 individuals, institutions and individuals, including the City of Keene, Rockingham Land Trust, New Hampshire Forest Society President Jane Difley, the American Snowmobilers Association, and Professor Barrett Rock of the University of New Hampshire. These signatories and supporters are united under the umbrella “New Hampshire Citizens for a Responsible Energy Policy;” their aim is to generate the same attention—and need for a political and policy response—to global warming issues that acid rain received thanks to activist efforts in the ‘80’s.

As leaders in all sectors continue to sign on in support of the Coalition’s work, organizers have been busy making sure that not only the candidates but the constituents throughout the Granite State have access to discussion and education regarding energy choices, carbon pollution, global warming, and the policy and technological solutions that will adequately address these problems. Through the creation of an expert Speakers Bureau, the Coalition is reaching out to members of local rotary clubs, business and industry groups, Audubon chapters, community women’s groups, and more.

In the past six weeks, candidates have addressed and responded to questions on global warming, not simply within an environmental context, but also from the perspectives of international relations, air pollution and public health, and the need for energy independence. This may seem promising, but global warming will not continue to be an issue for presidential candidates unless citizens work hard to make it an issue. Carbon Coalition volunteers and staff will go on fighting the good fight in the coming months, waging their own campaign to ensure that global warming does indeed remain in the spotlight.

The Carbon Coalition needs your support! For information on how to volunteer, donate, or stay informed of their work, go to www.carboncoalition.org, or contact Roger Stephenson at r-stephenson@comcast.net.

—Jennifer Andrews