Michael Blahut
I think a family talk is needed.
From: "Maureen Kirk, OSPIRG Executive Director" <Maur-@ospirg.org>
To: MAGIC-@HOTMAIL.COM
Subject: OSPIRG : The auto-industry strikes back
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 16:13:49 -0500
Hi Mike,
I found out yesterday that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Tonkin
auto dealerships (one of the largest dealers in Portland), and several
state legislators are suing the state of Oregon, attempting to block the
Clean Cars program. We need to fight back by letting auto dealers know
that they are out of touch with their customers who support common-sense
solutions to global warming.
Please take a moment right now to let Tonkin auto dealerships know that if
they don't remove their name from the lawsuit you will take your business
elsewhere. Then ask your family and friends to do the same by forwarding
this email to them.
To take action, click here or paste this link into your web browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=99&id4=ES
Background
On Friday, September 9th, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers financed
a lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and
Environmental Quality Commission attempting to block or delay the Clean
Cars program. Joining them in the suit were several auto dealerships
including the Tonkin group; Mercedes Benz of Portland and Wilsonville and
Coos Bay Toyota; and Senator Ted Ferrioli, Representative Wayne Scott and
Representative Susan Morgan. This lawsuit wastes taxpayer money by forcing
the state to expend resources defending the Clean Cars program that is good
for Oregon's environment and good for Oregon's economy.
The auto industry has threatened to use "every arrow in [their] quiver" to
stop the clean cars program, including a ballot measure. If the experience
in other states is any guide, that is not all they will try. In Washington
state, their tactics included automated phone banks to inflate the
appearance of grassroots opposition. We've even heard reports of people
who were approached about being paid to write letters.
To my knowledge, Oregon is the only state other than California that the
auto industry has sued directly for addressing global warming pollution.
We can only speculate about what they will try here next.
In the face of bullying auto industry tactics and their barrage of false
propaganda, let's remind auto dealers in our communities of the facts about
this issue. The Clean Cars program is good for our environment and our
economy. It will drastically reduce global warming pollution from light
cars and trucks while at the same time increase consumer choice and reduce
the cost of owning and operating a car. We should support Governor
Kulongoski, who is continuing Oregon's legacy of environmental leadership
by bringing Clean Cars to Oregon.
Please take a moment right now to let Tonkin auto dealerships know that if
they don't remove their name from the lawsuit you will take your business
elsewhere. Then ask your family and friends to do the same by forwarding
this email to them.
To take action, click here or paste this link into your web browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=99&id4=ES
Sincerely,
Maureen Kirk
OSPIRG Executive Director
Maur-@ospirg.org
http://www.OSPIRG.org
P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this e-mail
with your family and friends.
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