Environmental activists pressure Rep. Chet Edwards

March 26, 2009

Jenna DeWitt
Reporter

Chants of "Obama's budget Chet, don't fudge it" filled downtown Waco around Congressman Chet Edwards' local office Wednesday morning as activists gathered to encourage Edwards to vote "yes" on President Barack Obama's budget plan. Titled "A New Era of Responsibility," the plan focuses on health care, education, energy and reducing the deficit according to the president's Office of Management and Budget.

The House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on the bill late last night. Activists raised their signs and voices in hope of influencing that vote to support their causes.

The group included Baylor students involved with the university's Environmental Concern Organization and the Baylor No New Coal Campaign. Other participants included Yoni Levin, a Greenpeace field organizer; Luke Metzger, the legislative director for Environment Texas; and Jesse Romero, a representative from Health Care for America Now.

Levin said he came to Waco from the Austin Greenpeace USA office to speak about reducing global warming and promoting clean energy. He also discussed training in "green" jobs and his organization's longstanding support for alternative energy sources.

"Wind energy has been a big boon to Texas," Levin said.

The budget plan Obama is proposing would commit $33.9 billion to the Department of Energy including support for low-carbon emission coal power and the commercialization of clean energy technologies according to an online version posted on the White House Web site.

Texas Environmental legislative director Luke Metzger acknowledges that though there is significant pressure from large coal and oil companies, energy and global warming will remain top priorities on Obama's list.

"There's already been dozens of these events all over the country," he said. "This budget represents change."

Metzger emphasized his belief in Edwards' history supporting green efforts. "We are urging Congressman Edwards to continue Texas' role as a clean energy leader," he said. "I'm here today to urge him to support President Obama's budget."

Four Baylor students also participated in support of clean energy initiatives and to stand against new coal plants. Paradise Valley, Az., junior Paige Panter said one of her motivations for getting involved is her little brother who has asthma and will be attending Baylor next year.

"Especially in Waco, coal plants will significantly alter the situation. This bill promises to look for a future with no new coal," she said.

She said the Baylor No New Coal Campaign has a strong focus on encouraging energy producers and consumers to be more aware of their energy consumption.

Panter said the group is not one to merely talk about change but to live it out.

"It's great to get the numbers out. Baylor No New Coal Campaign has shifted its emphasis to being energy efficient ourselves and just being more responsible," she said.

Another topic addressed at the gathering was health care. Obama's budget plan includes $76.8 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services and is projected to increase the federal deficit by $1.8 billion over the next fiscal, year according to an online version posted on the White House Web site.

Health Care for America Now representative Jesse Romero stressed the importance of insured health care and Waco's own low numbers of insured compared to uninsured families.

"The numbers are dramatic. The need for health care is as dramatic as the need for clean air and water," Romero said. "Health care is a right, not a privilege."

He said he believes that Edward's support of Obama's budget would be in the best interests of his constituents

"Edwards has been a stellar public servant. We are confident," Romero said.

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