Category: Press

Today, Food & Water Action, Friends of the Earth, Center for Biological Diversity Action and Oil Change U.S. announced their endorsement of Aaron Regunberg for Rhode Island’s First Congressional district.

As a State Representative, Regunberg was among the first state elected officials to speak out against a fracked gas power plant in Burrillville, which was eventually defeated. He also helped fight a proposed LNG export terminal in Providence.

The groups join other climate and progressive groups including Progressive Democrats of America, Climate Hawks Vote, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, and Climate Action Rhode Island. Together, these national progressive environmental groups represent tens of thousands of Rhode Island voters. 

Sam Bernhardt, Political Director of Food & Water Action, offered the following statement:

“Aaron is a climate leader who has gone toe-to-toe with the fossil fuel industry in Rhode Island for years. We will work hard to get Aaron elected so he can represent his constituents and this critical movement against fossil fuels in the halls of Congress.”

Stephanie Kurose, Northeast Political Director of the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, offered the following statement:

“Aaron Regunberg cares deeply about solving the issues of eastern Rhode Island communities, from fighting for environmental justice to confronting the climate emergency. He’s exactly the type of bold, progressive leader we need in Congress and we’re honored to endorse him.”

Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Director of Friends of the Earth Action,offered the following statement:

“We are thrilled to endorse Aaron Regunberg for Congress. Aaron is no stranger to holding Big Oil accountable and is not afraid to take much-needed urgent action to address the climate crisis. Rhode Islanders can count on Aaron to be a bold environmental champion and we urge them to support him this September.”

Allie Rosenbluth, Oil Change U.S., offered the following statement:

“As communities across the country experience devastating impacts of climate change and the United States remains world’s the largest expander of oil and gas, it’s clear we need more leaders in congress ready to take on the fossil fuel industry. Oil Change U.S. is excited to endorse Aaron Regunberg, who has the experience and commitment to bold climate action Rhode Island and the country needs.”

Environmental advocacy groups Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Friends of the Earth Action, Oil Change U.S., and Zero Hour are jointly endorsing State Representative Sara Innamorato in her campaign for Allegheny County Executive. The endorsements solidify Innamorato’s status as an environmental champion in a race where the county’s egregious air pollution and the expanding presence of the fossil fuel industry in the region are major issues for voters.

The groups join a number of other environmental organizations already endorsing Innamorato, including Food & Water Action, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, Clean Water Action, Climate Cabinet, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Lead Locally, and Sunrise Pittsburgh – all of which amounts to a sweep of environmental group endorsements in the race.

The endorsements are a testament to Rep. Innamorato’s years as a climate champion. Last year, Innamorato authored and passed the Whole Home Repairs Program, putting hundreds of millions of dollars towards the home weatherization program that will reduce energy consumption, create local green jobs, and repair thousands of Pennsylvania homes. As County Executive, Innamorato would work through the county Health Department to block new fracking wells and other polluting infrastructure proposed within Allegheny County. 

Innamorato’s climate advocacy continues to drive support for her campaign. Food & Water Acton PAC has knocked on 30,000 doors in support of her; Jane Fonda Climate PAC has contributed $15,000; Climate Cabinet PAC has contributed $10,000.

On behalf of the endorsing organizations, Ariel Moger, Government and Political Affairs Director at Friends of the Earth Action, offered the following statement:

“Our organizations are thrilled to announce our endorsement of Sara Innamorato for Allegheny County Executive. Fighting fossil fuels locally is critical to defeating them globally, and electing leaders who will stand up for people and the planet at the state and local level is crucial. We need decision-makers in office who will put communities over polluter profits, and these candidates will undoubtedly do just that.”

The national advocacy group Food & Water Action is endorsing Ron Bautista in his campaign for Hudson County Commissioner. 

Bautista has made the grassroots effort to stop the NJ Transit fracked gas power plant a central issue in his campaign, working to educate and engage residents about the dangers of building a major new source of air pollution in Kearny, where residents already suffer from some of the worst air quality in the country.

Bautista has also committed to protect locally controlled and affordable drinking water, and fight for a moratorium on all fossil fuel projects and a rapid and fair transition to 100% renewable energy in Hudson County.

“Hudson County needs bold progressive leadership to stop fossil fuel pollution and ensure safe, healthy communities for all,” said Food & Water Action New Jersey State Director Matt Smith. “Ron Bautista has demonstrated firm commitments to prioritizing the needs of people over the interests of fossil fuel polluters and corporate water profiteers, and he would bring that same energy and dedication to elected office.”