WASHINGTON, DC (May 14, 2009) – Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, unveiled his version of an energy bill today.

Joe Mendelson, director of global warming policy for the National Wildlife Federation, said today:

“Rep. Barton, who’s received millions in campaign contributions from electric utilities and the oil and gas industries in recent years, has introduced a bill that’s nothing short of bailout for big polluters. We don’t need more fat paychecks for oil executives – we need clean energy jobs for Main Street.

“Americans don’t want a return to failed Dick Cheney-style energy policies. They want a new direction – one that repowers America’s economy with millions of clean energy jobs, breaks our dependence on oil and reduces the carbon pollution that causes global warming.”


For More Information:

Rep. Barton’s campaign contributors can be viewed at OpenSecrets.org.

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The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.