Energy Subsidy Group To Release Blueprint for Tax/Consumer-Funded Boondoggle

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Richard Morrison, 202.331.2273

Washington, D.C., December 8, 2004— An energy policy group created and funded by left-wing foundations is scheduled today to release a report expected to call for a range of anti-energy policies designed to raise energy prices, restrict consumer choices, and expand government control over energy use.

“The self-appointed, self-styled ‘National Commission on Energy Policy' is a lobby for special interests and big government masquerading as an official-sounding panel of unbiased experts,” said Myron Ebell, CEI Director of Global Warming Policy. “The commission was designed to promote taxpayer-subsidized industries and environmental extremist causes at the expense of consumers.”

The commission is funded by several major foundations known for promoting the interests of the wealthy elite: the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and its partners—The Pew Charitable Trusts, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Energy Foundation.

“Rather than proposing policies that would help provide affordable energy, this group will try to sell a permanent energy diet to the American people in the name of doing something about global warming,” said Ebell. “For those who believe only rich people should be able to enjoy the benefits of abundant energy, this is the group for them.”