The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Detroit is switching to natural gas. Two of the Big Three automakers are announcing plans to build production-line pickup trucks that will run on natural gas as well as gasoline. The world’s largest automaker, GM, will do so today:
General Motors Co. on Monday plans to disclose it will offer bi-fuel Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 pickups in the fourth quarter. The trucks will be built by GM and sent to a supplier that will retrofit them to use compressed natural-gas tanks.
Chrysler will begin building their bi-fuel pickup trucks even sooner:
Chrysler Group LLC plans to disclose it will build the first production-line pickup truck powered by natural gas. The auto maker is promising to build at least 2,000 heavy-duty Ram bi-fuel trucks that run on a combination of compressed natural gas and gasoline starting in June.
The interest in natural-gas vehicles comes as gasoline prices are on the rise again and support for using domestic natural gas to replace oil is gaining support. After years of promoting electric cars, President Obama signaled a change in the administration when he said during his January State of the Union speech the nation needs to explore all alternative energy sources.
“We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years,” Mr. Obama said in his speech. “My administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade.”
T. Boone Pickens was on CNBC’s Squawkbox program this morning to discuss President Obama’s call yesterday to increase the use of natural gas as a principal transportation fuel in the United States.
Pickens, who announced the formation of The Pickens Plan on Squawkbox in the summer of 2008, said that the President now agreed with him that utilizing domestic resources was the only way to significantly reduce our dependence on OPEC oil and the only domestic resource to do that was to move heavy-duty trucks and fleet vehicles from imported diesel to domestic natural gas.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
New York District Leader Jon Hand reports that as a result of his persuasive speech on the Pickens Plan (given two weeks ago for a college class requirement at Pace University) several class members have signed up. In addition, Jon reports that the speech has sparked many discussions with classmates on the Pickens Plan.
Regional Director Ed Matricardi followed up with VA Governor Bob McDonnell’s office regarding the Pickens Pledge and a potential Executive Order regarding converting state government fleet vehicles to alternative energy sources – particularly natural gas.
Washington District Leader Tom Bougher is attempting to coordinate with other district leaders in WA state for their participation/support in a 2011 Regional Energy Summit to be held in July 2011 in Western Washington.
Texas army member Clair Moore talked with new members of the Texas House of Representatives at freshman orientation. She urged them to support natural gas legislation in Texas.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement has been busy sending out updates on the legislation before Congress. His message is promoted thru his Facebook and is mailed out to his newsletter subscriber list of 1,500 people.
California State Leader John Nobles has been consistently communicating the same legislative message to his Facebook sphere and utilizing the platform established on their radio show to promote the same message—pass the legislation.
Louisiana Army Member Richard Flanken called Governor Bobby Jindal and asked his office to purchase only NGVs for future state fleet vehicles.
Maryland State Director Chandra Tamirisa is scheduled to speak about the importance of passing the NAT GAS ACT to an upcoming Sierra Club Meeting in Annapolis on 12/4.
New York District Leader Jon Hand is giving a persuasive speech in his public speaking class at Pace University this week, and he has chosen to persuade people to sign the Pickens Plan Pledge. He will bring copies of the pledge with him to class and request that people sign them at the end of his speech.
Ohio State Leader Veronica Gold, District Leader Jim Pirko, and Army Member John Bazaar are reaching out to Rep. John Boehner, OH-08. They have each contacted his office and in addition are tweeting and contacting radio and TV stations in and around District 8 in an effort to get his attention about the Pickens Plan.
Tennessee army member Doug Hampstein visited with Senator Bob Corker’s staff in Washington and asked if Senator Corker would support natural gas legislation. Senator Corker’s staff was “noncommittal” but ensured Doug that Senator Corker is focused on energy legislation that will reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Rodney Rooks, VA-07 District Leader, invited Ed Matricardi to speak to a VA-07 tea party meeting on 12/2 about the importance of passing the Nat Gas Act.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
University of Alabama leader Matthew Frerichs is lobbying the Student Senate to make the Pickens Plan group on campus an official student organization.
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement received many responses this week to the letters he sends to elected officials around the country asking them to support Natural Gas legislation.
Iowa State Leader Bob Shultis is working with the VP of AWEA’s Public Affairs shop to draft a letter to the editor of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, rebutting an editorial which appeared a few weeks ago criticizing efforts to promote a national RES.
Kansas army member Denise Johnson Howard talked about the Nat Gas Act and distributed Pickens Plan talking point sheets at her monthly women’s luncheon in Dodge City. The conversation focused on Congressional reluctance to act.
Missouri State Leader Cheryl Rowland is working on ways she can promote the plan now that the election is over. She plans to draft another LTE in the next couple of weeks supporting Pickens and the NAT GAS Act, and asking her representatives to do the same.
Regional Director Ed Matricardi is awaiting news from VA Governor Bob McDonnell’s office on a potential Executive Order regarding converting state government fleet vehicles to alternative energy sources – particularly natural gas. The Governor’s Chief Energy Advisor, Maureen Matsen, is collecting background information on the issue for the Governor and expects to brief him on the issue later this month.
Virginia District Leader Rodney Rooks submitted a letter to the editor highlighting our dependence on foreign oil and urging Congress to pass the Nat Gas Act to the Page County News & Courier. He also spoke at a local tea party meeting about the importance of passing the NAT GAS Act.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Because of the successful Town Hall last week, Matthew Frerichs is now the Pickens Plan University Leader at the University of Alabama.
California State Leaders John Nobles and Wayne Bowser continue to talk energy and energy independence with local candidates running for various state offices. They are finding a base of support for natural gas legislation from the prospective candidates they meet.
Georgia State Leader Sam Fleet has been appointed to the Atlanta Clean Cities Board.
Georgia State Leader Sam Fleet has been instrumental in setting up the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Coalition Day throughout the State of Georgia.
Ryan Jones, Idaho State Leader, continues his weekly letter writing campaign to local/state elected officials.
Jeremy Boggess, also a District Leader in Idaho, continues to promote the Pickens Plan and energy independence as part of his Idaho State Senate campaign.
Indiana District Leader Chuck Moore (IN-03) is working with Indiana State Representative Dick Dodge to move that state forward in NG usage.
Massachusetts State Leader Steve Kropper (MA-07) continues to promote the Pickens Plan to elected officials in Massachusetts. His company WindPole, Second Wind and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced the MASS-WIN (Wind Information Network) to provide real time wind resource data for SE Mass, Cape & Islands. He’s aggressively working to promote wind energy through his company.
Missouri State Leader Cheryl Rowland has continued to promote the Pickens Plan during this election season. Last week she discussed the Pickens Plan with at least 10 people in the hopes that they will sign-up and help the cause.
The Coalition of Responsible Transportation is hosting a meeting in Charlotte, NC on December 3, 2010 to discuss natural gas fueling stations at all the major ports in the Mid-Atlantic for 18-wheelers to use when bringing products to/from the ports, and they have invited T. Boone Pickens to speak at the meeting. The coalition includes major importers/exporters like Target, Lowes, Home Depot, etc, as well as the Ports of Norfolk, Charleston and Baltimore.
Robert Danford, NC-03 District Leader, followed up with Governor Perdue to determine support for converting the state fleet of vehicles to alternative energy – still awaiting feedback.
Ohio District Leader Jim Pirko (OH-17) attended a Congressional debate where Rep. Tim Ryan publicly named the Pickens Plan as the answer to the Nation’s energy problems.
Ohio State Leader Veronica Gold has contacted Rep. Bob Latta’s (OH-05) district office in regards to the NAT GAS legislation. His office remains firmly not in favor of the legislation. Veronica thinks based on the response that other political considerations are in play.
Ohio District Leader Joe Jefferis (OH-03) has phoned Sen. Sherrod Brown and Sen. George Voinovich’s DC offices to share his support of S. 3815. He is attempting to get phone appointments with both Senators. He also had a conversation with Herman Cain (conservative talk radio host) about the Pickens Plan. Cain’s response was favorable.
Rodney Rooks, VA-07 District Leader, organized a candidate forum for congressional candidates in VA-07 on Friday, October 29, 2010 at Luray Elementary School.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement is promoting and will be attending National AFV Day Odyssey this week. He is promoting the event thru Facebook and updates to his sphere. He is also continuing to encourage phone calls, letters etc. in support of natural gas legislation. He utilizes all tools of social media to push out his message.
California State Leader John Nobles will be at Grace Church this week to talk about some of the ballot issues. He will make his standard pitch on Pickens Plan, Patriot 9-12, Tea Party and others are expected to attend. He also recently met with Michael Kelly who is running for the Board of Trustees at Victor Valley College. Michael is a Pickens Plan Member and also sells refitted CNG Vehicles. They have discussed a cooperative presentation.
Idaho District Leader Ryan Jones continues to write Boise Mayor Dave Beiter and other local/state elected officials about natural gas fleets. He is continuing to do so on a weekly basis until he gets a “real” response.
Idaho District Leader Jeremy Boggess continues his State Senate campaign and is spreading Pickens Plan flyers and talking to folks about energy independence and the plan.
NY-05 District Leader Jon Hand was a panel member at last week’s 2nd Annual Energy Independence Day Seminar which was hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The moderator was former CIA Director, Jim Woolsey. Jon sat on a panel with experts in the nuclear, solar, wind and biofuel professions. Jon reports that there were roughly 100 audience members and that they were very attentive and well-versed in each of these fields. They were aware of the economic, environmental and political implications of each alternative source of fuel, as well as the influence OPEC has over the U.S. because of our dependence on them for oil. They were also familiar with the Pickens Plan! For participating on the panel, the AJC has offered to distribute Pickens Plan pamphlets with Jon’s contact information on it.
T. Boone Pickens met with VA Governor Bob McDonnell on Wednesday for a private meeting and media availability with Virginia reporters. TBP also gave the Keynote Address at the Governor’s Conference on Energy, titled, “Virginia: the Energy Capital of the East Coast.”
Virginia State Director Clynton Caines, Thomas Arrington (VA-04 DL) and Rodney Rooks (VA-07 DL) attended the VA energy conference.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Alaska State Leader Joyce Allen-Luopa reports that she is reaching out to elected officials and candidates in Alaska about supporting the Pickens Plan.
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement is reaching out to his network to contact Sen. Kyl and Sen. McCain’s offices in support of natural gas legislation.
California State Leaders John Nobles and Wayne Bowser will be hosting California Gubernatorial candidate Chelene Nightingale on their Green Revolution radio show. They will discuss the current Natural Gas legislation and energy issues. John will be doing a live feed from a Government Access Forum in Apple Valley with talk show host Barb Stanton.
Georgia State Leader Sam Fleet had the following Op-Ed printed on www.wearepolitics.com
“The Good and the Bad of Being Green
By Sam Fleet
It’s not easy being Green!” – Kermit the Frog
I saw a Facebook post yesterday that expressed how clean the National Mall was after the Glenn Beck Rally. The line under the post read, “Conservative values are good for the environment.” Being as involved in the energy field as I am the word “green” is used very frequently. Green is most associated with the left wing Democratic Party. Why? We conservatives also have a deep love for our environment. Our surroundings are a gift from God that we must be good stewards of. So why is it that more conservatives refuse to be associated with “green” when it comes to the environment? Well, in the 1980’s being green became a political ideology. Supporters of a green politics style share many ideas with ecology conservatism; they also have concern for civil liberties and social justice. Progressives believe that science has somehow discredited most traditional beliefs. They are opposed by social conservatives on the grounds of positive and negative liberties.
Our environment is a bipartisan issue, or should be. We should all take care of what we have no matter our beliefs socially or politically. Over the past 20 years, politics has really clouded the issues surrounding our environment. My thought is that although we believe in different paths to get to a cleaner, healthier environment, let’s concentrate on our common goals.
Take for instance S1408 (portion of NAT GAS Act 2009). This is a bill that would allow for incentives for converting fleet vehicles over to CNG. This fuel source is ours (American), it is cheaper than our current fuel source, and it happens to be about 30% cleaner. We can all agree on this, a win/win, right? So why hasn’t it just passed? It has not passed because it is such a good bill with bipartisan support that some legislatures would like to add a few things that they can’t get passed on their own. Yes, it is sad. There was a time when the desire of some was to add a little something called cap and trade and wrap it up with a big bow. We know now that won’t fly. This is why conservatives shy away from energy legislation. Too much junk stuck in that is not good for the country! This piece of legislation (S1408) has been ready for implementation for almost 2 years, and those who have chosen to try to make a good bill turn bad are making our country wait. Time for that to end.
I say Conservatives should make a green move. Let’s show the world how America can become energy independent without crazy bureaucracy like cap and trade! Did even the writers of cap and trade believe the government could run yet another department of regulators? The Department of Energy has been around for over 40 years and they have not completed their mission on stopping our dependence on foreign oil. We don’t need mandates! No one made those conservatives on the National Mall clean up, they just did because it was the right thing to do. There are some that may say that this is tax payer money again going out. My response is that we are spending over $1Billion a day for foreign oil, it has become a national security issue, an economic issue and an environmental issue. Being able to keep that large sum here in our economy is worth a bit of an investment! Let’s go green conservatives, and let’s show them how to do it right!”
Missouri Pickens Plan member Barbara Martin contacted Senator Claire McCaskill and Representative Lacy Clay’s offices. She left messages at both offices, asking that they support the Natural Gas Act and Pickens Plan.
Nebraska army member, and University of Nebraska sophomore, Lawrence Sanders passed out Pickens Plan talking points after the recent Cornhusker home game. He had several people inquire about the plan, and he directed them to sign up at www.pickensplan.com. He also had several people leaving the stadium say, “I’m already in Boone’s army!”
New Mexico State Leader Gabe Mayr sent letters to the editors of the following publications: Alamogordo Daily News, Albuquerque Journal, Artesia Daily Press, Carlsbad Current-Argus, Deming Headlight.
New York District Leader Jon Hand participated in the AJC’s Second Annual Energy Independence Day, where he sat on the panel as a volunteer member of the Pickens Plan. Jon will do a write-up about his experience this weekend for next week’s report.
California State Leader John Nobles made a brief presentation to the Spring Valley Lake Country Club Republican Women’s Club. He discussed the Pickens Plan, what it means to be independent from foreign oil and the legislation they can support with calls to their elected officials. Tim Donnelly, California State Assembly-59th District candidate, attended the meeting and indicated his support of the legislation. He will also be a guest on the Restless Republic to discuss his campaign.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
California State Leader John Nobles made a brief presentation to the Spring Valley Lake Country Club Republican Women’s Club. He discussed the Pickens Plan, what it means to be independent from foreign oil and the legislation they can support with calls to their elected officials. Tim Donnelly, California State Assembly-59th District candidate, attended the meeting and indicated his support of the legislation. He will also be a guest on the Restless Republic to discuss his campaign.
Ohio District Leaders Jim Pirko and Jim Lewis appeared on WKBN 1400 am on Monday morning. They then attended Boone’s town hall meeting in Cleveland that night.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston continued contacting state, local and federal candidates to determine their position on the Pickens Plan. He is also checking with the House GOP Caucus and Attorney General (who is the likely incoming Governor) regarding their proposed energy agenda to determine when they are going to submit legislation and whether they have bipartisan support.
Boone is giving the Keynote Address at VA Governor Bob McDonnell’s Conference on Energy, titled, “Virginia: the Energy Capital of the East Coast” on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.
The National Journal hosted a screening of “Haynesville” in Washington, DC on September 27th and DC-area Pickens Plan Leaders attended, including Chandra Tamirisa (MD State Leader).
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement has been pounding the pavement in support of Natural Gas legislation. He has sent letters to his entire sphere–newsletter subscribers, email list, customers. California State leaders John Nobles and Wayne Bowser are delivering the same messages via their Thursday radio program.
Colorado District Leader Scott Scharin wrote Congressman John Salazar (CO-03) and urged him to support HR 1835. Congressman Salazar sent him the following response: “As a co-sponsor of this bill, I agree it is an important step towards our country’s energy independence. We must move forward to end our dependence on foreign oil and increase our national security. Like you, I believe natural gas can play an important role in a comprehensive energy reform plan. Any plan to reform our energy policies must include an investment in renewable energy technology, expand domestic energy supplies - including natural gas - and create more energy efficient vehicles, buildings, homes, and infrastructure.”
Georgia State Leader Sam Fleet met with Georgia Public Service Commissioner Doug Everett to discuss the Pickens Plan and installing CNG stations across Georgia.
Iowa State Leader Bob Shultis received the following response from Senator Chuck Grassley: “Most recently, on July 28th, Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010. This bill contains funding for a government program which uses fees on offshore oil to fund the acquisition of private land by the federal government. The bill also includes subsidies for natural gas trucks and electric cars and $5 billion to subsidize home energy efficiency improvements. However, Majority Leader Reid’s bill did not include a renewable electricity standard. On August 3rd, Majority Leader Reid announced that the Senate would not have an opportunity to consider an energy bill until at least September. Expanded use of alternative and renewable energy is good for our environment while ensuring our nation’s energy security. As the ranking Republican member of the Senate Finance Committee, the committee which has jurisdiction over the nation’s tax and trade policies, you can be assured that I will continue my efforts to ensure that the tax code encourages the increased production of alternative and renewable energy. Thank you for writing to express your support for the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act of 2009. I agree that America is heavily reliant on imported oil to meet its energy needs, and that developing more domestically abundant energy resources like natural gas can move us closer to the goal of energy independence.”
New York District Leader David Elia received the following response from Senator Charles Schumer: “As you know, the NAT GAS Act aims to capitalize on the abundance of domestically produced energy by transitioning America’s transportation infrastructure and automobile industries away from traditional petroleum fuel powered technology towards natural gas power technology. This would be accomplished by promoting the purchase and use of natural gas vehicles, and incentivizing the installation of natural gas fuel pumps, service stations and depots. Additionally, the bill would mandate that at least 50% of all new vehicles purchased by the US Government be capable of operating on natural gas by 2014. The NAT GAS Act has been referred to the Finance Committee, of which I am a member, and I will closely monitor the bill as the committee begins consideration.”
Ohio District Leaders Jim Pirko, Jim Lewis, and Phil Herbert will be interviewed live on WKBN 1400 AM Monday Morning at 10 am ET in support of the Pickens Plan and to promote Boone’s appearance Monday night in Cleveland.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston is still waiting to update the House GOP Caucus and Attorney General (who is the likely incoming Governor) regarding their proposed energy agenda.
Virginia District Leader Thomas Arrington was appointed to the VA General Assembly’s Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
In Washington, DC, The National Journal is hosting a screening of “Haynesville” and DC-area Pickens Plan Leaders are attending.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement was interviewed by a writer from the Arizona Republic on September 9th. The article is about Natural Gas as a transportation fuel–Dave is the owner of a small natural gas distributorship.
Arkansas army member Carolyn Stewart appeared on the 880 AM KRLG morning show in Little Rock, gave an update on S 1408 and urged listeners to support natural gas as a transportation fuel.
Georgia State Leader Sam Fleet was instrumental in securing new natural gas fueling stations across Atlanta from Atlanta Gas & Light.
Idaho State Leader Ryan Jones has been reaching out to candidates. He received the following response from Raul Labrador, who is running against Walt Minnick for Idaho Congressional seat, District 1. “Rep. Labrador will review and consider the Plan. His basic position is an “all of the above” strategy for American energy.”
New York State Leader Bill Merrell reports that he has discussed the NAT GAS Act and Pickens Plan with NY-01 primary candidate Chris Cox (Cox’s father, Ed Cox, is the New York State GOP Chairman). Bill reports that Mr. Cox responded favorably to his message and that he wants to work to advance the Pickens Plan if he wins the primary.
New York State Leader Bill Merrell has recently become the Chairperson of the New York State of the Reform Party. He believes the position will bring him greater opportunities to connect with candidates and current MOC’s on the Pickens Plan and NAT GAS Act.
Ohio’s Leaders are continuing to organize in advance of Boone’s visit to Cleveland on Sept 27th. Jim Lewis, OH-06 and Jim Pirko, OH-17 are definitely attending the event and the radio interview on WKBN-AM (50,000 watt) Youngstown is being scheduled for the morning of the 27th or the 28th.
Ohio has a new DL for the 6th District. His name is Geary Battistelli. Geary was instrumental in the effort to get Rep. Charlie Wilson, OH-06 to sign on as a HR 1835 co-sponsor.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston continued contacting state, local and federal candidate to determine their position on the Pickens Plan and reported back with responses from 4 more elected officials and candidates, including the state Attorney General who is the leading candidate for Governor.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston is finalizing arrangements to organize a visible presence at the Central PA Marcellus Shale Job Fair on September 11, 2010 (it was originally scheduled for August 27 - 28, 2010). Mike has received collateral materials to distribute at event.
Virginia District Leader Thomas Arrington had a meeting with US Senator Mark Warner on September 9, 2010 to discuss the Pickens Plan.
Washington, DC area State & District Leaders are working to determine interest in a potential DC rally with Boone in October. In particular, DC Director Aaron Parness, VA State Director Clynton Caines and PA State Director Mike Johnston are checking with local supporters and allied organizations to determine their interest.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement is requesting that his 1,500 “CNG for AZ” newsletter subscribers call for their elected officials to identify what their plan is to reduce or dependency on foreign oil.
California District Leader Lawrence Murray reports the following about his contacts with Congressman Dan Lungren (CA-03) and Ami Bera (Lungren’s challenger). “I sent emails and called both campaigns. Dan Lungren’s office is not sure of his stance, I have asked to talk to him several times without response. Response from Dr. Ami Bera: “Dr. Bera absolutely supports investments in wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy! Dr. Bera believes that supporting renewable energy is vital, both to protect our planet, and to reinvigorate our economy by creating new, clean manufacturing jobs. If you’d like to read more about Dr. Bera’s commitment to clean energy, you can take a look at our energy plan, available at http://www.beraforcongress.com/pages/energy.”
California State Leaders John Nobles and Wayne Bowser are requesting that all elected officials identify what their plan is to reduce or dependency on foreign oil. They use their radio show and Facebook as their platform. They will also be attending the energy summit in Nevada on Tuesday.
Idaho District Leader Jeremy Boggess continues to campaign for a State Senate seat and is placing fliers and talking about the Pickens Plan in Northern Idaho.
Illinois District Leader Tully Davia has contacted Press Aide Nathanial Zimmer in Rep. Daniel Lipinski’s office. The aide said that Congressman Lipinski will support any bill w/ nat gas measures as long as no cap and trade is attached.
Minnesota State Leader Melissa Steichen reports that her meeting with Representative Oberstar was canceled last week. However, Melissa will be attending a barbecue on Tuesday, September 7 with Representative James Oberstar, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Al Franken, MN State Senator Yvonne Prettner Solan and MN Gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton. She plans to discuss the NAT GAS Act with as many of them as possible.
Missouri State Leader Cheryl Rowland reports that she received a return call from Representative Todd Akin’s office regarding the NAT GAS Act. Staffer Jim Midas stated that Mr. Akin is very much a supporter of alternative energy, but as of right now he is waiting to see the proposal when it comes to the Science Committee, of which he is a member. The staffer also stated that he really didn’t know much about the Pickens Plan, so Cheryl gave him the website to look at and told him that if Mr. Akin or the staffer had any questions to please feel free to contact her.
Missouri State Leader Cheryl Rowland also spoke to a staffer at Senator Claire McCaskill’s office and reports that she is still concerned about using natural gas and how it will affect the price for heating homes and, of great importance to her, agriculture.
New York District Leader David Elia sent an email about the NAT GAS Act to Governor Patterson and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.
Ohio District Leader Jim Lewis has been interviewed on WSTB radio in Streetsboro OH, on clean energy technology and the Pickens Plan.
Ohio State Leader Veronica Gold continues to schedule media appearances and is currently working on television spots.
Other Ohio members are still working on logistics to schedule the WKBN-AM interview shortly before Boone’s town hall in Cleveland.
Regional Leader Ed Matricardi circulated talking points and a questionnaire to state directors and is working with them to generate feedback from Members of Congress and other congressional candidates about their position on the NAT GAS Act.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston emailed every state, local and federal candidate to determine their position on the Pickens Plan and reported back with responses from 9 elected officials and candidates, including Congressman Joe Sestak, who is the Democratic nominee for US Senate and the Chief of Staff to the PA House Majority Republican Caucus. They want to work with us to implement a 4-point state energy plan.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston is finalizing arrangements to organize a visible presence at the Central PA Marcellus Shale Job Fair on September 11, 2010 (it was originally scheduled for August 27 - 28, 2010). Mike has requested collateral materials to distribute at event and he may also host a screening of the movie Haynesville at the job fair.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston also started a group page on push.pickensplan.com to keep Pennsylvania Army members up to date on which of the state’s candidates have expressed support for the Pickens Plan.
Pennsylvania State Director Mike Johnston received the following response from Jim Gerlach’s campaign manager about whether or not he supports the Pickens Plan: “Jim generally supports the Pickens Plan and has voted on numerous bills to move our country toward energy independence. He also believes the Plan should go farther by supporting initiatives for implementation of clean coal technology and expansion of nuclear power.”
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
Is your Member of Congress a co-sponsor? Find out here: http://www.pickensplan.com/inyourstate
Highlights
• District Leader Jim Pirko has secured a commitment for an interview on WKBN AM-570, Youngstown, a 50,000 watt station that reaches several districts.
• New York District Leader Bill Merrell reports that in the past year over 200 of his students have signed up for the Pickens Plan and that many of them are now District Leaders. (Bill is head of the Merrell Institute, a real estate and appraisal school.) Bill had plans to attend the last of the EPA hearings last Thursday, but it was canceled and will tentatively be held in September. Bill will try to attend on the rescheduled date.
• Montana State Leader Jerry McDonald is working with Sen. Baucus’ office with regard to energy legislation. Jerry has proposed that the Pickens Plan collaborates with him on the matter.
• State Leader Veronica Gold added 8 new members at a speaking engagement, and 4 new members have volunteered this week to step up in leadership roles.
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
The total number of co-sponsors for the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835): 146 Members of Congress
NY-05 District Leader Jon Hand spoke with Dan Fitzsimmons, President of the Joint Landowners Coalition of NY, and discussed the Pickens Plan and natural gas.
Ray Hobbs, a long time Army supporter from Arizona is an active supporter of Rich Davis who is running for an Arizona State Senate seat in the coming election. Ray has managed to bring Rich into the Pickens Army as he is very pro-natural gas. Rich was a White House Advisor under the Bush Administration on terrorism, and has written a couple of editorials for the Arizona Republic. He feels that imported oil, terrorists, and drug cartels are all connected factors to the national security.
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement pointed out that Boone is again quoted in his ArizonaEnergy.org newsletter in an article titled Pickens puts polish on plan to curb oil imports. He distributed the article to his 1,500 person newsletter list of subscribers with a call to action to continue to call elected officials in support of natural gas legislation.
Arizona State Leader Dave Clement is also participating as a speaker at the The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Alternative Fuels Workshop in Casa Grande, Arizona July 23, 2010.
Regional Leader Codi Prachar sent the whiteboard to video to all of her state and district leaders and gave the following feedback: “The response was positive–they liked the whiteboard and are working on spreading the word to their contacts. They seem receptive to picking up the pace in the near future as needed.”
Each week we’ll be reporting on some of the activities of our army members across the country. If you are interested in getting involved in your state, visit the State and District Leaders page here: http://www.pickensplan.com/district-leaderboard/
Legislative Update
One co-sponsor was added to HR 1835 this week, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 146 members of Congress, with 82 Democrats and 64 Republicans.
Jim Pirko, OH-17 District Leader, will be representing the Pickens Plan in the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce Marcellus Shale Gas Task Force. The group is currently in formation.
Arizona State Leader, Dave Clement outlined the Pickens Plan and the NAT GAS Act in his presentation to the Federal Fleet managers this week at Fed Fleet 2010 and provided a brief explanation of how supporting the NAT GAS Act as a cohesive group might benefit their goal for more infrastructure. Dave said, “Feedback was generally positive in relation to the use of Natural Gas as a transportation fuel. People were still concerned with the driving range of CNG vehicles. I did have the most questions of all the presenters about natural gas.”
California State Leader Wayne Bowser featured John Nobles, California State Leader, and Veronica Gold, Ohio State Leader, in recognition of Energy Independence Day and the 2nd Anniversary of the Pickens Plan on his radio program on 7/8/2010. (Link to show: http://www.kcaaradio.com/thursday.html) The subject discussed was Renewable Energy and developing a plan to implement more alternative energy solutions within Southern California. The call-in format encourages dialogue from listeners. Feedback on the natural gas issue has been positive with many listeners indicating more natural gas fueling stations are needed.
Louisiana Army member Roger Friedman called into Baton Rouge talk radio 1150 WJBO, educating listeners on how domestic natural gas can reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve our economic/national security and eliminate awful environmental disasters like the Deep Water Horizon blow out in the Gulf.
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