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Indybay Feature

PG&E’s Greenwashing Countered by Make Out Session

by Aliza Wasserman
Today was the first public action of a guerrilla collective dedicated to exposing PG&E’s massive and misleading PR campaign wallpapering our city for the last few months.
Today was the first public action of a guerrilla collective dedicated to exposing PG&E’s massive and misleading PR campaign wallpapering our city for the last few months.

PG&E was hosting a solar panel launch event at the LGBT Center, and guests included the CEO of PG&E, Mark Leno and Leland Ye. The protestors said they were excited about the LGBT center going solar, but felt that PG&E’s attempt to celebrate solar and the concept of “Green” smelled disingenuous, given that the company actually owns 0% solar, only 2% wind, and has long lobbied to cut the amount of solar energy it has to buy.

The counter-action was called ‘Make Out for Environmental Justice’. It involved two queer women on stilts who skillfully leaned in for a smooch in front of the LGBT entranceway, while holding a sign reading ‘Love Solar. Love LGBT. Question PG&E’, and a parasol reading ‘0% Solar’. Other signs at the event read: “Green Is Not PG&E” and “PG&E- 0% Solar, 2% Wind, 98% Hot Air.” The activists handed out informational fliers about PG&E to a highly receptive crowd and got friendly honks from numerous cars. Colorful balloons floated about, and one balloon markered with “Green is Not PG&E” was strung to float right alongside the solar panels being displayed at the press conference. See the picture for yourself.

State Senator Carole Midgen was scheduled to speak at the event, but upon hearing about the protest said she would respect the protestors and refused to speak at the event. Migden was the legislative sponsor for California’s Community Choice bill in 2001. Community Choice Energy is a well-researched plan to get San Francisco to move to 50% renewable truly green energy without raising consumer prices. The activists think this plan is the proverbial ‘bomb’ since it offers a truly green climate solution, while PG&E’s ‘ClimateSmart” program offers not a single drop of green energy.

To counter PG&E’s website: LetsGreenThisCity.org, the activists launched a website today at: http://www.LetsGreenWASHthisCity.org. The group, called Citizens Concerned about Climate Crisis, invite people to learn more about the truth behind PG&E’s $17 million PR campaign, by visiting their website and exploring pictures from the event (soon to be posted).
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anne t. greenwashing
Fri, Feb 2, 2007 12:53AM
Xantha Bruso
Tue, Jan 30, 2007 6:29PM
Anne T. Greenwashing
Mon, Jan 29, 2007 3:34PM
observer
Mon, Jan 29, 2007 2:39PM
luci
Sun, Jan 28, 2007 9:20PM
info warrior
Sun, Jan 28, 2007 12:41PM
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