Energy Polluters Poised to Reap $62 Billion in Taxpayer Handouts Says New Report; FOE, TCS, USPIRG To Hold Conference Jan. 31

1/30/2002

From: Mark Helm of Friends of the Earth, 202-783-7400, ext. 102; Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense, 202-546-8500, ext. 110; Liz Hitchcock of U.S. Public Interest Research Group, 202-546-9707, ext. 316

News Advisory:

Representatives of Friends of the Earth (FOE), Taxpayers for Common Sense (TCS) and U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) will release a new report -- "Running on Empty: How Environmentally Harmful Energy Subsidies Siphon Billions from Taxpayers" -- this Thursday, Jan. 31. The report details massive existing and proposed financial giveaways to the oil, gas, coal and nuclear power industry totaling nearly $62 billion. The Green Scissors group will also comment on pending energy legislation.

What: 'Running on Empty' report release and news conference on taxpayer subsidies in the federal budget and pending energy legislation

Who: -- Erich Pica, director, Green Scissors Campaign, FOE -- Cena Swisher, program director, TCS -- Pierre Sadik, staff attorney, USPIRG

When: Thursday, Jan. 31 10 a.m., EST

Where: National Press Club, East Room

For more information, contact Mark Helm of Friends of the Earth at 202-783-7400, ext. 102, Keith Ashdown of TCS at 202-546-8500, ext. 110, or Liz Hitchcock of USPIRG at 202-546-9707, ext. 316.