Stop Incentives for Waste Incineration in the 2003 U.S. Senate Energy Bill!

Dear Members and Friends of GAIA in the United States,

Please call Senator Graham's presidential campaign office (305-328-5000) and Senate office (202-224-3041) today to tell him that WASTE INCINERATION IS NOT RENEWABLE ENERGY. But don't stop there! Please also participate in the 2003 Global Day of Action Against Waste Incineration on Monday, July 14 by mobilizing people to call Senator Graham's campaign office on July 14 to oppose waste incineration.

Oppose Federal Incentives for Garbage Incineration in the Energy Bill! Garbage Incineration is a Dirty and Dangerous Way to Generate Energy
Right now, the U.S. Senate is working to pass a dirty, dangerous energy bill that would harm consumers, public health and the environment. It leaves American consumers at the mercy of big power companies and threatens our coasts and public lands.

In particular, the garbage incinerator industry is trying to classify burning garbage as a clean, renewable energy source, qualifying for tax breaks and incentives, which would encourage the construction of new garbage incinerators. Garbage incineration is dangerous to public health and costly to consumers.

Senator Graham of Florida, who is running for U.S. President in 2004, is an ardent supporter of "waste-to-energy" facilities, and is leading the fight to include them in the energy bill as clean, renewable energy. Do we want a president who puts the profits of the incinerator industry ahead of people's health?!

We need to urge Senator Graham to oppose any incentives for garbage incineration. This dangerous and expensive source of energy should not count towards a renewable energy standard, nor should it be encouraged through taxpayer-funded subsidies. Although the incinerator industry insists that burning garbage is a safe way to provide energy, the reality is that garbage incineration produces hazardous pollutants like dioxin and mercury and would displace important resources for truly clean energy sources like solar and wind.

Contact both Senator Graham's campaign office and Senate office and let him know that garbage incineration is dangerous -- it's not a clean, renewable energy source, and it will cost taxpayers money.

Senator Graham's Campaign Office: 305-328-5000
Senator Graham's Senate Office: 202-224-3041

* * * CALIFORNIA, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, AND FLORIDA * * *
In addition, Senators Clinton (NY), Dodd (CT), Lieberman (CT), Feinstein (CA), and Graham (FL) voted last year to classify incinerators as clean, renewable energy sources. We need to let them know that the American public does not support this, and that this year they should vote to exclude garbage incineration from the energy bill. If you live in one of these states, please call your Senator(s) in addition to calling Senator Graham's campaign office and tell him or her not to support garbage incineration as a renewable energy source in the energy bill.

Senator Lieberman: 202-224-4041
Senator Graham: 202-224-3041
Senator Feinstein: 202-224-3841
Senator Clinton: 202-224-4451
Senator Dodd: 202-224-2823

Dated: July 10, 2003