Substitute Frank Wolf's Name for John McCain's in This Video

Great video by the League of Conservation Voters, see here for more. This is highly applicable to John McCain, but also to Frank Wolf. Just substitute "Frank Wolf" for "John McCain" and change a few numbers around, and you've pretty much got the story. Frank Wolf PRETENDS to be for the environment and for breaking our oil addiction, but in the end he's just another Bush Republican.

Feder: "We've got to end our dependence on oil"

It's nice to see that SOMEBODY out there "gets it" when it comes to the energy crisis we're facing. Hint: that somebody is NOT named Frank Wolf. Heh.

With that, here's Judy Feder on how to deal with this challenge:

But the problem is long term. We've got to end our dependence on oil and fossil fuels...and we've got to #1 promote efficiency and conserve energy. We can do that in our cars, in our homes, in our buildings. We've got to use less. We've got to invest in alternative fuels so that we can be more energy efficient and more environmentally sound...We've got to restore our position of leadership in the world on environmental policy that will protect our environment for the future. So, in the short term and the long term, we need leadership and we need change.

You can say that again!

Why Does Frank Wolf hate polar bears?

Personally, I think polar bears are amazing animals. Certainly, I wouldn't want to see them lose their habitat or even go extinct. Yesterday, even the heinously anti-environment Bush Administration listed the polar bear as "threatened." Who would want to see the polar bears, these iconic animals of North America, harmed? Well, now that you mention it...

...from the 2006 League of Conservation Voters scorecard, here's Frank Wolf's pathetic environmental record (27% LCV rating) in general, and his even more pathetic record on the polar bear specifically:

*Wolf supported drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), with its "abundant and diverse wildlife, including rare musk oxen, polar bears, grizzlies, wolves, millions of migratory birds, and more than 120,000 caribou."

But wait, it gets worse. Not only has Frank Wolf supported drilling in the polar bear's habitat, he also has not supported comprehensive global warming legislation that would protect that habitat from melting in to oblivion, taking the polar bears with it.

Which leaves us with a simple question: "Why does Frank Wolf hate polar bears?"

Frank Wolf on Earth Day

It's Earth Day, and here's a reminder why Frank Wolf needs to be replaced as the 10th CD's congressperson.

*Wolf has voted time and again against clean, renewable energy.

*Those votes have earned Wolf dismal ratings from the League of Conservation Voters - a 27% average over the past 5 years. Awful.

*On December 6, 2007, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 846, "Providing for the Consideration of the Senate Amendments to the Bill (H.R. 6), Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act." Again, what does Frank Wolf have against the environment and energy security?

*On January 18, 2007, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 6, the "Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act."

*Wolf has voted repeatedly to maintain tax breaks for Big Oil, even while those companies pollute the environment and rake in record profits.

The bottom line is this: on the environment alone, 10th CD voters should replace Frank Wolf with Judy Feder in November. If not, we'll keep getting the same anti-environment garbage that I've listed above. No thanks.

Loudoun Going Green; Where's Wolf?

This is great news from the Loudoun County:

Loudoun County officials pledged Tuesday to help reduce the region's greenhouse gas emissions and encourage more environmentally friendly buildings, which they said probably will save taxpayers money and cut the county's contribution to global warming.

The Board of Supervisors voted to join three regional environmental initiatives. One of them provides tools and guidelines to help the county adopt green building standards. A second would grant Loudoun the label of "green county" if it meets certain requirements.

The third measure signs up Loudoun for the Cool Capital Challenge, which aims to reduce the Washington region's carbon dioxide emissions by a billion pounds by next April...

Good for Loudoun County's (majority Democratic) supervisors -- with the major exception of right-wing Republican Eugene Delgaudio, who "mocked fears related to global warming." Which reminds me, where's Frank Wolf on global warming? Last I checked, he was busy giving big tax breaks to oil companies while voting against energy efficiency, renewable energy, serious measures to cap greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental protection in general. I'm pretty sure that Eugene Delgaudio approves, but what about he rest of us? And what about the planet, as Earth Day approaches?

And if THIS Were Frank Wolf....

As part of our continuing series, if THIS were Frank Wolf, he'd be talking about...

*how we simply CAN'T reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
*how he's voted against alternative, renewable energy
*how he's voted against energy efficiency
*how he's voted time after time for tax breaks to Big Oil
*how we should do nothing about global warming

Luckily, we have leaders in this country who aren't stuck in decades-old thinking like Frank Wolf is. Luckily, we have leaders like Al Gore and Judy Feder who "get it" on energy, the environment, and many other topics. And luckily, we only have to wait another 7 months or so until Frank Wolf is no longer the Congressman from the 10th CD.

Don't Hold Your Breath, Greenpeace Guys

I applaud these environmental activists for urging Frank Wolf to do the right thing on the environment:

Citing coastal security concerns and farming economy, a group of about 20 Greenpeace student activists gathered in Herndon on Wednesday afternoon, March 5, before heading to U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf’s (R-10) office to invite him to co-sponsor legislation combating climate change. The activists met with Wolf’s staff and presented more than 1,000 petitions collected in the 10th district in support of the Safe Climate Act of 2006.
"Our message is for Frank Wolf," said Rachel Payne, a Greenpeace student activist. "Virginia is for leaders — Washington, Jefferson, Madison — and we want Frank Wolf to know he can take place among these leaders" by sponsoring the Safe Climate Act.

Sadly, I think the chances of Wolf actually doing what you (correctly) urge him to do are close to zero. Remember, this is the guy who has repeatedly voted AGAINST renewable energy, AGAINST energy security for our nation, and AGAINST the environment. Is there any reason to expect that 1,000 petitions -- or, heck, 1,000,000 petitions -- will unharden Frank Wolf's heart on this? My advice: don't hold your breaths and wait for Wolf on this one. Instead, campaign for Judy Feder and let's get a Representative who cares more about the environment than about ExxonMobil's mega-billions in profits.

Frank Wolf Must Really Hate Clean, Renewable Energy

Another day, another vote by Frank Wolf against clean, renewable energy. This time, it was the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, which passed the House yesterday by a 236-182 margin. That "ayes" included 17 Republicans, including moderates like Michael Castle of Delaware.

But not Frank Wolf. Sadly, we shouldn't be surprised, given that Wolf voted in December 2007 against the CLEAN (Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation) Act. It also shouldn't be surprising given Wolf's dismal ratings by the League of Conservation Voters -- a 27% average over the past 5 years. The question is, why does Frank Wolf hate clean, renewable energy so much?

Frank Finds Religion on Environment, Still Nearly Fails

When it comes to Rep. Frank Wolf's report card on environmental issues, there's good news and bad news.

The good news - He got his highest score in years!

The bad news - He still only managed a D-:

I wonder why Frank is suddenly so eager to look greener? Is he finally feeling the heat from his moderate constituents and a strong challenger in Judy Feder?

Even with his higher overall score, some of Frank's wrong votes were truly awful. He voted against the final energy bill that raised fuel economy standards - a common-sense solution if there ever was one. He voted in favor of offshore oil drilling.

But hey, at least he's consistent - always voting on the side of Big Oil!

A "Frank" Contradiction?

Yesterday, I received Rep. Wolf's newsletter and saw Wolf bragging that "On Tuesday Congress cleared an energy bill, with my support..." Can someone please help me resolve the apparent contradiction between that statement and this (Wolf voting against an amendment "to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government") and this (Wolf's anti-environment history)?

Is this a "Frank" contradiction or what? I'm confused.

Wolf Votes Against Renewable Energy and Efficiency

Yesterday, Frank Wolf demonstrated yet AGAIN that he is no friend of the environment, of energy consumers, or of weaning the United States off its "oil addiction." Once again, Wolf voted against a measure that would have "move[d] the United States toward greater energy independence and security...increase[d] the production of clean renewable fuels...protect[ed] consumers...increase[d] the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles...promote[d] research on and deploy[ed] greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and...improve[d] the energy performance of the Federal Government." The resolution passed 215-190, but no thanks to Frank Wolf. Apparently, Wolf's idea of a Christmas present to planet Earth is a lump of coal in the stocking.

Frank Wolf Votes Against the Environment, Energy Security

You really can't get much worse than today's vote by Frank Wolf against the CLEAN (Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation) Act. The bill, accurately described as "'a new direction' in U.S. energy policy away from dependence on fossil fuels." passed the House 212-167. In voting against this bill, Frank Wolf managed to oppose the environment, renewable energy, and U.S. energy security in one fell swoop. Wolf the "moderate" also opposed this:

The bill would roll back $13.5 billion in tax breaks enjoyed by the five largest U.S. oil companies with the money to be used for tax incentives for development of renewable energy, including cellulosic ethanol from grasses and wood chips and biodiesel, and to spur energy efficiency programs and conservation.

Just remember this come election day next November: Frank Wolf is on the side of Big Oil but against energy efficiency, renewable energy, and weaning the United States off of dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Priorities, priorities...

How Will Wolf Vote on Energy and the Environment?

There are important votes coming up in Congress regarding energy and global warming. It will be very interesting to see how Frank Wolf votes, particularly given this record:

*Frank Wolf has demonstrated that he is out of touch with his constituents by repeatedly voting with the Bush administration and their friends with Big Oil.

*Wolf's taken over $70,000 from oil and gas companies while voting five times against legislation to crack down on gas price gouging.

*Wolf supported the Bush energy plan, which provides huge subsidies to the oil and gas industry.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an alternative energy plan that would bring immediate relief to consumers at the pump, increase the nation’s investment into renewable fuels and energy efficiency and crack down on price gouging. The plan would have extend for five years the tax credit that provides incentives for investments in solar, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies and provide several tax incentives for energy efficiency.

In other words, stay tuned for whether Wolf votes against the environment and clean energy alternatives once again.

Why Won't Wolf Endorse Climate Action?

The National Wildlife Federation (employer of The Green Miles) put out its Final 50 report this week, detailing House of Representatives members who've said they support climate action in theory, but have yet to step it up and endorse tough global warming legisation. Two Virginia representatives made the list:

Tom Davis (R-VA, 11th District)

Rep. Davis voted for the Sense of Congress resolution calling for Congress to pass legislation that mandates reductions in global warming pollution. But, he has not supported comprehensive global warming legislation.

Frank Wolf (R-VA, 10th District)

Rep. Wolf voted for the Renewable Electricity Standard and passage of the final House energy bill. He also voted for the Sense of Congress resolution calling for Congress to pass legislation that mandates reductions in global warming pollution. He states on his website that, "While there are many factors which affect the price of a gallon of gasoline, I believe we must leave no stone unturned as we work to address this issue, including finding ways for our nation to become energy independent," But, he has not supported comprehensive global warming legislation.

If you're in the 10th or 11th, please write Davis or Wolf right now and ask him to cosponsor the Safe Climate Act or the Climate Stewardship Act, two bills that cut global warming pollution by 2% per year!

Cross-posted from RaisingKaine.com

Wolf Votes Against Mining Reclamation

This past Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 244-166 to approve the "Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act." Frank Wolf and 162 fellow Republicans votes "nay" as well. Here is what the bill would do:

The bill would protect U.S. lands from the damages of mining by restricting new operations or forcing mines to clean up after themselves. In addition, it would give taxpayers a better return on their property by making mining companies pay royalties on the metals they harvest.

In addition, "The bill would...establish standards to mitigate environmental damages, create a cleanup fund for abandoned mines and ban the cheap sale of public lands for mining."

Sounds pretty reasonable, huh? Pretty pro-environment? So why would the "moderate" Frank Wolf oppose this legislation? Are there major mining interests we didn't know about in McLean, Manassas, Chantilly, Sterling and Winchester? Or is Frank Rudolph Wolf simply an another anti-environment Republican in "moderate" clothing?

Wolf Votes Against Virginia's Environment

Why would Frank Wolf oppose this?

H RES 763

Vote description: Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1011, to Designate Additional National Forest System Lands in the State of Virginia As Wilderness or a Wilderness Study Area, to Designate the Kimberling Creek Potential Wilderness Area for Eventual Incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness

No thanks to Frank Wolf, the bill passed 225-190. For a description of the area Frank Wolf apparently doesn't want to protect, see here.

League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Scorecard on Frank Wolf

From the 2006 League of Conservation Voters soorecard, here's more on Frank Wolf's pathetic environmental record (27% LCV rating):

*Wolf vote FOR this: "S. 3711, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, ended protections for Florida’s Gulf Coast and opened up 8 million acres off the coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana for oil and gas drilling. And, for the first time ever, 37 percent of the revenue from drilling would go to Gulf Coast states rather than the federal treasury — a precedent that could encourage more states to support drilling off their coasts and cost federal taxpayers billions."

*Wolf supported drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), with its "abundant and diverse wildlife, including rare musk oxen, polar bears, grizzlies, wolves, millions of migratory birds, and more than 120,000 caribou."

*Wolf voted for this: "H.R.5254, the Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act. The bill, pushed through without committee consideration and with only minimal floor debate, could undermine the public health and environmental permitting decisions by state and federal officials and would give oil companies the right to sue public health officials in order to speed up refinery projects."

*Wolf voted against S. Con. Res. 83, "an amendment by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) to restore $1 billion in energy assistance that had been removed by Senate leadership. In addition to easing the burden of fuel costs, these funds will help low-income families insulate and weatherize their homes, making them less vulnerable in the future to high energy prices."

*Wolf voted against H.R. 5386, "the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill...that would force the EPA to rescind its directive and reaffirm a broad application of Clean Water Act protections."

*Wolf voted against "making toxic pollution information publicly available, the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)...one of the premier tools for alerting U.S. citizens to chemical contamination in and around their communities."

Great stuff from the 10th district's "moderate" Congressman, huh?

Al Gore Wins Peace Prize for Environment; Frank Wolf is No Prize!

This morning, Al Gore won the Nobel Peace prize for his work "convincing world governments that climate change was real, caused by human activity, and posed a threat to society." And Frank Wolf? Needless to say, he didn't win any awards for his work on the environment. Here's a brief synopsis of Wolf's environmental record:

*A miserable 25% rating from the League of Conservation Voters, an even worse 16% rating from the American Wilderness Coalition, and a 20% rating from the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. Wonderful...

*In 2005, Wolf voted for the energy conference report that exempts oil and gas industries from some clean-water laws, streamlines permits for oil wells and power lines on public lands, and helps the hydropower industry appeal environmental restrictions.

*In 2004, Wolf voted against an amendment to increase funding for renewable energy sources by $30 million.

*In 2003, Wolf voted against an amendment to the energy bill instructing the Department of Transportation to reduce the amount of oil consumed by U.S. automobiles by five percent by 2010.

*In 2001, Wolf voted against an amendment to require a combined corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standard for passenger automobiles and light trucks, including sport utility vehicles, of 26 miles per gallon in 2005 and 2006 and of 27.5 miles per gallon in 2007 and beyond.

We could go on and on, but you get the picture. Al Gore is an environmental hero. Frank Wolf is an environmental zero. It's time for a change!