For Immediate Release, December 22, 2020
Contact: Jean Su, (415) 770-3187, jeansu@centeractionfund.org
Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund Endorses Daniel Blackman for Georgia Public Service Commission
TUCSON, Ariz.— The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, the 501(c)(4) political arm of the Center for Biological Diversity, today endorsed Daniel Blackman for District 4 Georgia Public Service commissioner.
“The Georgia Public Service Commission has acted in the interest of utility profit for far too long, instead of doing its duty to serve the public. Blackman is exactly what it needs, a champion of the people and the planet,” said Jean Su, energy justice director at the Action Fund. “It’s shameful that the commission voted to disconnect thousands of families who can’t afford electricity during the COVID pandemic. Blackman will work to ensure that all Georgians, regardless of how rich or poor they may be, aren’t left in the dark. He knows this is a matter of basic human rights, as well as climate resilience.”
Blackman’s opponent, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr., received 85% of his contributions from donors in the utility industry, including people associated with Southern Company and Georgia Power who may profit from his decisions as commissioner. McDonald also voted in favor of additions to the Vogtle nuclear power plant, bringing the project to $23 billion — nearly $2 billion of which Georgia ratepayers are forced to absorb through higher utility bills.
Blackman, by contrast, is a longtime advocate for families, disadvantaged communities and the climate. He was appointed by the chairman of the National Wildlife Federation to serve on an Environmental Policy Commission cosponsored by members of Congress to address renewable energy and public health issues. He also worked with the Obama administration on the Clean Power Plan.
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Center Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.