We all know what Astroturf is on the gridiron, but what does it mean when it's applied to a series of very successful Energy Citizens rallies?

Based on what I've seen at six of the rallies, it is a misapplied term that demeans the spirit and the passion of the people who participated. Simply put, it disses them. And those who disrespect them apparently don't understand the depth of their feelings about the misguided Waxman-Markey bill.

Look at the facts. So far 18 rallies have been held in 17 states. More than 12,000 people from all walks of life have attended. Many were seniors who told me they heard about the rally on the radio or through a phone call from a friend. Others included laborers, truckers, farmers, homemakers, small business people, veterans, and the unemployed. A contingent... more »

Three more Energy Citizens rallies were held on Thursday, Sept. 3. About 200 people attended the rally in Richmond, Virginia; 300 participated in the rally in Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia; and 750 showed up in Detroit, Michigan, which was far more than anticipated.

At each rally, the concerns voiced by the audience were the same. They said they want affordable energy and jobs, and they are encouraging the U.S. Senate to carefully consider the economic impact of the Waxman-Markey bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives in late June. As one speaker in Richmond said, the Senate should get it right.

Another speaker in Richmond used a football analogy to explain his concerns about the Waxman-Markey bill, and he got a standing ovation. He is Chris Saxman, a member of t... more »

In this week's episode, I talk with Kevin Book, a principal at ClearView Energy Partners, LLC, about energy legislation being considered in Congress. We also briefly discuss energy security issues and the recent rise in oil and gasoline prices.

Use the audio player below to listen, and follow along with the show notes. I hope you find the podcast informative.

And for more information, read ClearView Energy Partner's Summer Energy Outlook. Feel free to leave a question in the comments section of this post.

Show Notes:

00:26 Jane welcomes Kevin Book to the show and references his new energy consulting firm, ClearView Energy Partners, LLC.

00:55 Jane asks Kevin how the Waxman-Markey bill might affect energy in the United States.

01:12 The Waxman-Markey bill is more than a cap-and-tra... more »