FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Emily Southard, ClimateTruth.org Action, emily@climatetruth.org, (860) 912–7773
Campaign Contributions Challenged in Race for US Senator for Alabama
Michael Hansen signs No Fossil Fuel Money pledge
Candidate is latest to reject campaign money from coal, oil, and gas
Michael Hansen, a candidate for the election for US Senator for Alabama, has pledged to reject campaign contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industries, and to put the health of families, our climate, and our democracy ahead of fossil fuel industry profits, according to a coalition of good government and clean energy advocates. The special election is Tuesday, August 15.

Candidates who sign the “No Fossil Fuel Money” pledge vow to not knowingly accept contributions over $200 from the PACs, executives or front groups of fossil fuel corporations — companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal. Candidates also pledge to prioritize the health of families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.
“Fossil fuel money is corrupting our political system and blocking action on clean energy,” said ClimateTruth.org Action Campaigns Director Emily Southard. “Rejecting fossil fuel money shows the kind of moral leadership we need to create a system that works for us and our communities instead of special interests.”
“Michael Hansen is demonstrating real political courage,” said RL Miller, cofounder of Climate Hawks Vote. “I’m thrilled to see him pledge to rely on grassroots donors instead of out-of-state coal money.”
Hansen is the latest candidate to reject dirty energy money and take a stand against fossil fuel interests. The movement began last fall when over 75 candidates for the Massachusetts State Legislature — including 40 current state legislators — signed a similar pledge spearheaded by 350 Mass Action. Hansen is the first candidate for US Senate in Alabama to sign the pledge.
The No Fossil Fuel Money pledge is coordinated by a coalition focused on stopping climate change and ending the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money on America’s democracy. Members include Oil Change USA, ClimateTruth.org Action, Climate Hawks Vote, Activate Virginia, 350 Mass Action, Sunrise, Food & Water Action Fund, Center for Sustainable Economy, and 350 Action.
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About the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge
The No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge is coordinated by a coalition of groups focused on stopping climate pollution and ending the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on America’s democracy. Taking the pledge is a commitment by a candidate to not knowingly accept any contributions over $200 from the PACs, executives, or front groups of fossil fuel corporations — companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution, or sale of oil, gas, or coal. A list of these companies is available upon request. More information can be found at http://nofossilfuelmoney.org.
