Global Warming Campaign News

12 Step Plan Needed to Slash Oil Use And Stop Global Warming

As the new home of Florida PIRG's environmental work, Environment Florida can be contacted with any questions regarding this news release.

TALLAHASSEE—On this Earth Day, Florida PIRG called on Congress and the Bush administration to get serious about ending America’s dependence on oil. The organization released a “12-step program” that will wean America from its addiction to oil, protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling and stop global warming.

“In his State of the Union address three months ago President Bush reminded us that ‘America is addicted to oil.’ Since then, Washington has done little to seek treatment for this dangerous habit,” said Holly Binns, Field Director for Florida PIRG.

Instead of reducing our reliance on oil with common sense solutions like making cars go farther on a gallon of gas, Congress is considering legislation that would allow oil drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast and in other sensitive areas.

Senator Pete Domenici (NM) has offered a bill that would allow drilling off the gulf coast of Florida. Rep. John Peterson has introduced legislation to repeal the moratorium on off-shore drilling nationwide. And once again oil industry allies in Congress are pushing for drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

“We cannot drill ourselves out this dependence, just like a smoker can’t quit by buying more cigarettes,” said Binns.

Florida PIRG’s “12-step program” (attached) describes concrete steps that government and individuals can take to break the addiction. These steps include increases in home and workplace energy efficiency, more use of solar, wind and other renewable sources of energy, and promotion of fuel efficient vehicles and public transportation.