Kevin Richardson, R.E.M. & Live Join New Power Project

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Feb 14, 2002 Source: Launch.com Submitted By: Gina Cates (2/13/02, 10 a.m. ET) -- Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson along with rockers R.E.M. and Live are the latest additions to a grassroots effort to stop the Senate from passing an energy plan that was passed in the House Of Representatives last year. The New Power Project, a star-studded pro-environmental organization formed to help counter President George W. Bush's energy plan, already includes artists such as the Beastie Boys, Barenaked Ladies, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Dave Matthews Band, Moby, Trey Anastasio (of Phish), Jackson Browne, Alanis Morissette, James Taylor, and others. "The plan calls for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other public lands, weakening the Clean Air Act, and increasing subsidies to coal and nuclear industries," according to a statement by the organization. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D – S.D.) has proposed an alternative bill that would prohibit drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. Daschle's bill also invests in clean forms of energy and raises fuel-efficiency standards. The Senate is scheduled to debate the bill this month. Richardson said in the statement, "Our country consumes 25 percent of the world's oil and holds less than three percent of the world's reserves. The House's position on drilling our way out of dependence on foreign oil is ridiculous. If we are to be truly self-reliant, let's be leaders and increase our fuel efficiency instead of violating our natural treasures." Formed by the Beastie Boys' Mike D, the New Power Project's goal is to energize public opinion against the Bush plan by way of artist websites, petitions, and concert tours. The artists urge people to take action by sending their local Senator a free fax that is located at saveourenvironment.org. In related news, Richardson will compete on the March 11 edition of NBC's celebrity Fear Factor to help raise funds for Just Within Reach, his own environmental foundation. -- Darren Davis and Jason Gelman, New York Comment on this item. Next Item: Send A Valentine Phone Call From The Backstreet Boys Prev Item: Join Howie D. For A Night Of "Insomnia" in the V.I.P.