8-18-08, 10:00 am

In order to highlight the need for a new energy and environmental policy in this election cycle's political debate, several environmental coalitions have called a national day of action set for September 27th.

The events will gather environmental activists and supporters of a progressive energy policy across the country in house parties and other public events that 'will demonstrate to the next President, to Congress, and to the nation that we are ready to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming,' according to a press statement put out last month by Green Jobs Now.

The day of action will emphasize the impact of environmental policy (or the current lack of one) on low-income communities and communities of color who need economic development and environmental protection the most.

“Green Jobs Now is happening the day after the first Presidential Debate,” said Josh Lynch, organizer for the Green Jobs Now day of action in a press statement. “People all over the country are planning teach-ins, block parties, service events, and celebratory rallies for September 27th. The events will show the diversity that is America, but everyone will have the same message for Obama and McCain: Green Jobs Now.”

Other groups joining this effort include the 1Sky coalition, WeCanSolveIt.org, as well as the labor-environment coalition Apollo Alliance. In its call to join the effort, the Apollo alliance said, 'we will make it clear that America is ready to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and into family-supporting career paths and solve the climate crisis.'