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| OPINION: 'Big Oil' Bob |
| Pam Kiely | 10/9/08 |
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A recent analysis released by watchdog group Environment Colorado documents that Bob Schaffer has consistently voted against clean energy policies that could reduce our dependence on oil and save Coloradans money at the gas pump — while at the same time voting for $21 billion in subsidies for oil companies. That’s $198 for each family in Colorado at a time when those same families are paying $1,480 more a year for gasoline, compared to 2001.
Time and again, Bob Schaffer has sided with Big Oil against the interests of Coloradans. Eight years of oil men in the Bush White House has left us even more dependent on oil, and our economy and our environment are paying the price. The last thing we need is another Big Oil ally like Bob Schaffer representing us in the Senate.
 Environment Colorado’s report lists the economic, national security and environmental concerns with oil dependence. The United States now imports 58 percent of its oil from abroad – up from 27 percent in 1985—and spends twice as much each year on gasoline as five years ago. That’s an additional $200 billion per year out of American’s pocketbooks, with much of it sent to unfriendly nations overseas. America’s use of oil produces more carbon dioxide – the leading global warming pollutant – than the entire economy of any other nation in the world besides China.
Environment Colorado pointed out that the technology exists today to make our cars and trucks go much farther on a gallon of gasoline. Automakers could achieve a fleet average of 40 miles per gallon within 10 years with existing technology. New technologies such as plug-in hybrids – which use a combination of gasoline and electricity – could allow cars to get more than 100 mpg, while reducing pollution.
Reducing America’s dependence on oil just makes common sense. But Big Oil and its lobbyists in Washington, D.C., have fought smart energy policies every step of the way, while working to protect their own lucrative taxpayer subsidies and immense profits. At every turn, Bob Schaffer has stood in the way of real progress toward a clean energy economy while supporting policies that keep Americans dependent on Big Oil, cost us more money at the gas pump, and threaten our treasured beaches and public lands with oils spills and pollution.
The analysis also highlighted that Bob Schaffer has taken $151,550 in campaign contributions from the oil industry during this campaign cycle.
Schaffer’s record in Congress and in the 2008 campaign show that he’s simply too close to Big Oil. Coloradans deserve a senator who will fight for us to reduce our dependence on oil and protect our environment. Mark Udall’s record in Congress shows that he will take on Big Oil and move America toward a new energy future.
The full report is available at the Environment Colorado website.
Bob Schaffer: Too Close to Big Oil is the second release in a series of analyses by Environment Colorado.
An earlier report details how Mark Udall has delivered clean energy, jobs, and savings for America. It can be found at this website. |
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