Energy Citizens' Rally
North Dakotans for Jobs and Affordable Energy
With the recent Waxman-Markey Bill (a.k.a. Cap and Tax Trade) passing through the U.S. House of Representatives, the issue of federal energy policy has been brought to the forefront. In addition, Congress is considering new taxes and regulations on the energy industry that will potentially have significant impacts on North Dakota’s economy, create job losses, and increase energy prices.
In an effort to create awareness about the impacts of proposed energy legislation on North Dakotans, the North Dakota Petroleum Council, along with other trade associations, businesses, and citizens, organized a rally that took place on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at the BSC National Energy Center. Over 350 people attended to show their support for the cause.
The Rally included an Action Center that allowed citizens to voice their concerns to North Dakota Senators, an educational video on how the proposed legislation would affect North Dakota, a lineup of citizen speakers that told their stories, entertainment, and food.
At the Action Center, attendees could sign a petition and take a photo with a personalized message, which were sent to the Senators, or instantly send a message to the Senators via Facebook & Twitter.
Citizen speakers that stood up to tell their stories included Terry Fleck, motivational speaker, Institute of Attitude; North Dakota State Rep. Shirley Meyer (D-Dickinson); John Berger, Manager, Mandan Tesoro Refinery; Eric Aasmundstad, President, North Dakota Farm Bureau; Holly Kohler, homemaker; Matthew Becker, student, University of Mary.
"This is an important issue for the citizens of North Dakota, as we can see by the amount of people that came to voice their concerns," said Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. "I think it was a success and I hope that the North Dakota delegation get's it right."
Visit the North Dakota section of the Energy Citizens' website to view videos, photos or voice your concern for this issue.
