Fraudulent Letters Opposing Clean Energy Legislation

Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held an investigative hearing into the fraudulent letters sent to Congress on clean energy and climate legislation. The Select Committee discovered more than a dozen fraudulent letters were sent to several members of Congress as part of a campaign run by the firm, Bonner & Associates, and contracted by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. This campaign was designed to influence members of Congress on the House-passed Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill.

The hearing featured some of the central figures in the controversy, including victims of the fraud. The fraudulent letters were staged to appear as if they were sent by groups representing senior citizens, minorities and veterans.

WHAT: Select Committee hearing: “Fraudulent Letters Opposing Clean Energy Legislation.”

WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 2009

WHERE: 1100 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC and online at globalwarming.house.gov

OPENING STATEMENT: Chairman Edward J. Markey

WITNESSES:
Representative Tom Perriello, U.S. House of Representatives
Mr. Jack Bonner, Bonner & Associates
Mr. Steve Miller, President and CEO, American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity
Ms. Lisa M. Maatz, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, American Association of University Women
Mr. Hilary O. Shelton, Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy, NAACP Washington Bureau

CLICK HERE to read the full hearing transcript.

VIDEO:

Full video archive of hearing.

PHOTOS:

Representative Tom Periello testifies before the Committee

Mr. Jack Bonner listens to witness testimony during the hearing

Mr. Steve Miller testifies before the Select Committee

Mr. Hilary Shelton testfies before the Select Committee

Ms. Lisa Maatz testfies before the Select Committee.

Chairman Markey and Representative Inslee listen to witness testimony

The witness panel during the hearing

The witness panel and copies of the letters

Mr Shelton and Ms Maatz greet Chairman Markey and Representative Inslee after the hearing

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