Friends of the Earth’s new analysis shows that even though the oil and gas industry is experiencing record profits, it is set to receive at least $33 billion in handouts from taxpayers over the next five years. These companies stand to gain at least $23.2 billion from tax loopholes, $3.8 billion in royalty rollbacks, $1.6 billion in direct subsidies for research and development, and $4.3 billion through accounting gimmicks. The tax giveaways have increased dramatically since the passage of a Republican-drafted energy bill in 2005. Read the Report | Press Release DailyKos: BigOil to get $33bn in tax breaks over the next 5 years Grist: Fighting the Full Court Press Solve Climate: Drill Offshore or Drill Detroit? Numbers Show the Way Huffington Post: What Bush Didn't Promise

Activists Rain on GOP Dog and Pony Show!

Friends of the Earth's signs of greeting!

House Republicans gathered on the Capitol steps for a PR stunt intended to promote their new oil drilling bill; what they got was an embarrassing rejection from nearly 200 protesters.

Friends of the Earth members activists and other protestors carried signs calling out the Republicans for cozying up to Big Oil and pushing a disingenuous plan that would do nothing to actually lower prices at the pump. The protesters outnumbered the GOP members of Congress by about four to one and the overriding message from the event turned out to be a good one: Drilling is a fool's errand.

Thank Al Gore for His Leadership!

Former Vice President Al Gore responded to the energy crisis with a groundbreaking speech July 17, arguing forcefully that the United States can and must launch an ambitious effort to generate "100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years."

Let's show Al we've got his back.  Sign our letter thanking him for his leadership and tell him you support his call for a clean energy economy in 10 years.

Killer Cribs: Protecting Infants and Children from Toxic Exposure

Friends of the Earth has found that commonly used baby and children's products and upholstered household furniture contain dangerous levels of toxic chemicals called halogenated fire retardants.

The study finds that these toxic chemicals appear in a high percentage of portable cribs, strollers, car seats and infant carriers. Due to their prevalence in common household products, these chemicals have been found in breast milk and in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of these chemicals as they impact development at critical stages of growth.

Take Action | Learn More about Killer Cribs | Press Release | Safe Baby Products | Part One and Part Two of CBS Evening News | Press Conference

EPA Administrator Must Resign!

Adm. Steven Johnson appears to be on course to do as much damage as possible to the EPA in the remaining months of President Bush's presidency. In just the last month, Johnson has shown contempt for his agency's mandate, its employees' viewpoints, and its independence from political manipulation. His abrogation of duty is a betrayal to the EPA's mission and Friends of the Earth calls for his resignation.

Visit our Coalition Member's website: Whistleblowers, Washington, D.C.

Chairman Markey's Timeline: Waiting on the EPA
Washington Post: EPA Scientists complain about political pressure

Take Action | Press Release | Letter from Representative Waxman