Teamsters General President Urges Deeper Partnership Between Labor,

Environmentalists



    OAKLAND, Calif., July 23 /EMWNews/ -- Teamsters General

President Jim Hoffa said today that working Americans hard hit by rising

gas prices and a collapsing economy demand a comprehensive long-term

program focused on exploring and developing alternative sources of energy

as a solution to the crisis facing our country.



    "We are not going to drill our way out of the energy problems we are

facing -- not here and not in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," Hoffa

told labor and environmental activists at an Oakland, Calif., summit on

good jobs and clean air. "We must find a long-term approach that breaks our

dependence on foreign oil by investing in the development of alternate

energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal power."



    Hoffa then announced the union's withdrawal from the ANWR coalition,

citing the need to build a green economy that fosters the development of

alternative energy sources and creates good union jobs -- instead of lining

the pockets of big oil tycoons.



    Hoffa also said that by investing in green energy solutions, the nation

will reap the benefits of curbing its dependence on oil through a

revitalized economy with the creation of millions of new jobs in a rapidly

growing industry.



    "Our economy is in shambles. Gas is climbing to $5 a gallon. The dollar

has collapsed. Inflation is on the rise. Americans are seeing their

paychecks shrink. Their family health care is being slashed," Hoffa said.

"Finding a long-term solution has a tremendous upside. It will be

environmentally friendly and will serve as a much-needed boost to our

sagging economy."



    Hoffa also thanked labor's partners in the environmental movement, who

are currently working to reduce emissions from port trucks. He urged the

strengthening of the alliance, known as the Coalition for Clean & Safe

Ports, to achieve a common goal: Good jobs and clean air.



    "If we are to prosper as a nation, our future lies in a green economy,"

he said. "But it's up to us to help define the rules of that new green

economy. A green economy means we must reduce our dependence on foreign

oil. And it means creating good union jobs in America's growing

industries."



    The Sierra Club praised the Teamsters and Hoffa's comments.



    "The Sierra Club and the environmental movement applaud your

announcement and look forward to building a powerful movement together -- a

movement that helps workers, protects the environment, prevents global

warming and rebuilds our economy with good, green jobs," said Greg Haegele,

The Sierra Club's Director of Conservation. "We are proud to stand here

today, as allies and friends of the Teamsters."



    Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents

1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and

Puerto Rico.