August 01, 2008 12:00 AM UTC

Shoeleather Action Against Musgrave

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• by: Colorado Pols

The The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund organized a series of press events in front of gas stations in Rep. Marilyn Musgrave’s district today. Says spokesperson Rhey Lee, “It is reprehensible for Musgrave to claim that she supports energy efficiency and conservation while opposing real reform in fuel efficiency and real savings for American families. Her election-year conversion on the issue of fuel economy standards is a cynical attempt to blur her dismal record on these issues.”

We’re told there will be good press on their events tomorrow, release follows.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 31, 2008

Contact: David Kirk (970) 223-3112, (202) 288-6951 (cell); DKirk@DefendersActionFund.org

MUSGRAVE CONSITUENTS QUESTION REP. MUSGRAVE’S COMMITMENT TO REDUCING FUEL COSTS

Constituents hold press conference at a local gas station criticizing Musgrave’s votes against increasing automobile fuel efficiency standards that save Coloradan families thousands of dollars per year at the gas pump

Fort Collins, CO – Several constituents of Rep. Musgrave held a press conference at a local gas station on Thursday, July 31 to question her commitment to reducing fuel costs after learning that she had repeatedly voted against increasing automobile fuel efficiency standards that could be saving them hundreds of dollars per year in gas.  The event was organized by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, Progress Now, and Clean Water Action.  

“I am very disappointed to learn that Congresswoman Musgrave sided with oil and gas companies to oppose good legislation that would have increased automobile fuel efficiency standards and saved us hundreds of dollars per year in gas,” said Jessica Walker, 22, of Fort Collins.   “She can pump all the gas she wants and show her so-called concern about fuel costs in an election year, but nothing can erase the fact that she’s been part of the problem and not part of the solution when it comes to rising fuel costs for Colorado families.”

The event also coincided with the launch of a third TV ad by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, which has been running an independent campaign criticizing Rep. Musgrave for her anti-conservation record.  The latest ad criticizes her for her opposition to increasing automobile fuel efficiency standards the fact that in late June Musgrave as on one of only 30+ members of Congress to vote against criminal penalties for gas price gougers.  Rep. Musgrave has voted against increasing automobile fuel-efficiency standards[1][1], which independent analyses and media reports have indicated would create savings of hundreds of dollars per year for average drivers.

In 2007, the Associated Press reported that supporters of the 2007 energy bill calculated the complete implementation of the fuel-efficiency standards (an increase of 40% up to 35 mpg) allows consumers to see a yearly savings of up to $1000, even with the increases expected in fuel prices   Therefore a family with 1.8 cars (the current yearly average) could expect to see savings of up to $1,800 a year.  (Associated Press, 12/18/07).  Separately, in 2007 the Consumer Federation of America found that increasing fuel-efficiency standards to 35 mpg, which Rep. Musgrave opposed, would save consumers $2,500 in fuel costs over the course of a five-year loan per vehicle.  The finding was based on a gas price of $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon – much lower than the $4.00 per gallon or more faced by ordinary consumers today.  In other agitating news for her constituents, campaign finance records also show that she has taken $169,799[2][2] from oil and gas companies and has voted against penalizing gas price gougers[3][3], one of only 34 House Members who voted against the bill.

“After so many years in Washington swimming in the pocket of oil and gas companies, Marilyn Musgrave has lost touch with her own constituents,” said Rhey Lee, spokesperson for the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.  “It is reprehensible for Musgrave to claim that she supports energy efficiency and conservation while opposing real reform in fuel efficiency and real savings for American families. Her election-year conversion on the issue of fuel economy standards is a cynical attempt to blur her dismal record on these issues.”

“We deserve better than a politician like Rep. Musgrave, whose priorities are not in line with the needs of ordinary working families,” stated Steve Rood, 43, of Fort Collins.

Rep. Musgrave has also earned a 7% rating from Republicans for Environmental Protection and a 0% rating from Defenders Action Fund on their 2007 annual scorecard measuring members of Congress’ record on conservation issues.  Her lifetime rating with the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is just 2%, while her lifetime rating with REP is just 5%.

To see the new TV ad go to www.defendersactionfund.org.

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The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (www.defendersactionfund.org) provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.