Friday, April 9, 2010

CORE pleased about Obama administration decision NOT to veto loan

CORE to take 3 year old Nationwide Affordable Energy campaign (APA) to Denver, next week

For most of the last decade, lending institutions have had their hands tied when it comes to the Third World. Groups like Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Rainforest Action Network, Natural Resources Defense Council and hundreds of other "socially responsible" organizations, foundations and government agencies--oppose fossil fuels, nuclear and hydroelectric power, biotechnology, pesticides and economic development.

In other words, pretty much everything that generates health, prosperity and improved environmental quality. Their targets include the World Bank, Citigroup and Bank of America, and the message is always the same: Pull your investment dollars out of any projects the activists oppose.

To start this decade, these groups tried to block South Africa from receiving a World Bank loan to continue building its 4,800-megawatt Medupi power plant. They were unsuccessful in their efforts.

For over 3 decades, CORE has fought for the economic development of Africa. This decade is no different. Last month, CORE's National Chair Mr. Roy Innis and National Spokesman Mr. Niger Innis penned an Op-Ed that ran in the Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/24/obama-keeps-africa-in-the-dark/

It called on the Obama Administration to keep their promises to partner with Africa for the greater good of all and to not block the building of the Medupi power plant. Our efforts were successful. Obama abstained rather than voting no on the loan. This abstention allowed the World Bank to move forward on a yes vote to approve a 3.75 billion loan to South Africa.

For the past three years, CORE has fought for abundant, affordable energy. We believe in a comprehensive energy portfolio that includes both fossil and renewable fuel sources. Without such, our country will continue to see costs rise and energy become a bigger portion of our dwindling budgets.

Next week, the Affordable Power Alliance, co-chaired by CORE Spokesman Mr. Niger Innis, will be holding a press conference on the steps of the Colorado Capitol building to re-release their nationwide study of the negative impacts of potential EPA policies.

For more information call Mr. Niger Innis @ 702.633.4464