Wiviott Calls for a New Direction in Energy Policy

Santa Fe, NM – While commemorating Earth week today, Don Wiviott, Democrat for Congress, urged Americans to change course in national energy policy and deliver a long-term solution for our energy needs.

“While we have all the tools and resources we need to get off our addiction to foreign oil, we still lack the will to do so in Washington,” said Wiviott. “With gas prices soaring to record highs, Americans are bearing the brunt of a failed energy policy that is lining the pockets of big oil companies. It’s time to implement a new energy policy that puts American consumers first, protects our environment, and decreases our dependence on foreign oil.”

With news of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s decision to raise energy rates on over 480,000 state residents and businesses, Wiviott believes New Mexicans are taking a heavy financial toll from policy makers unwilling to embrace a fundamental change in energy policy.

“America needs to start using its innovative power to accomplish our energy needs,” Wiviott said. “We are running out of time, but we are certainly not running out of solutions."

Wiviott is a long time environmentalist who has been fighting on the frontlines to create a clean energy future for New Mexico. As a green builder, Wiviott has worked to develop sustainable housing for the state and has been a leader on solar initiatives. In Congress, Wiviott will offer a fresh perspective on how to achieve energy independence and will work in a bipartisan fashion to combat the perils of global warming.

Wiviott believes Washington needs to start taking the following steps to reduce our addiction to foreign oil and bring relief to middle class Americans struggling with rising fuel costs:

1. Mandate Substantial Renewable Energy Standards – Ensure utilities are providing a percentage of their energy from wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.
2. Hold Oil Companies Accountable for Price Gouging – Provide proper oversight to big oil companies and their CEO’s to make sure they don’t make record profits off the backs of average Americans. Also, Wiviott wants to stop giving them billions in tax breaks and start using those funds to invest in renewable energy.
3. Lower Long-Term Carbon Emissions – Begin using systems like Cap and Trade to provide incentives for heavy polluters to lower their carbon emissions.

Today at 5:30pm, Wiviott will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration and barbecue to meet with northern New Mexicans and discuss the future of our environment. The campaign will be providing free food and beverages for people who come to the event.

Details:

When: Friday, April 25th at 5:30 pm. At 6pm, Wiviott will address the crowd.

Where: Monica Lucero Park, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Directions: From Rodeo Road, turn North on Camino Carlos Rey, turn Left on Bellamah Drive which will end in a T at Monica Lucero Park