Clean Energy Works Campaigns for Climate Change Bill

An umbrella lobbying group called Clean Energy Works has emerged as a significant force advocating for passage of the climate change bill since its formation last fall, National Journal (subscription required) reported. The group was created by more than 50 nonprofits representing environmental, labor, business and other interests. Group spokesman David Di Martino called the effort "the first time we've gotten all these disparate constituency groups all deciding to pool resources and all singing from the same song sheet." It included field organizers in 29 states, multi-million dollar advertising campaigns, and veterans from the Obama campaign.

The group was making the case for clean energy on a variety of levels, including national security and the economy. Jon Soltz, co-founder and chairman of group member VoteVets.org, was quoted as saying: "Clean Energy Works is ground zero for the impending fight in the Senate."