Over 20 groups now ask Verizon to not sponsor Hannity's pro-mountaintop removal rally

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- Today a coalition of groups led by the Center for Biological Diversity sent a letter to Verizon Wireless asking the corporation to withdraw its sponsorship of a Labor Day rally being held in West Virginia to support mountaintop removal coal mining and oppose climate legislation . The groups represent millions of members and include Natural Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife, Rainforest Action Network, Greenpeace USA, Friends of the Earth, Appalachian Voices, Christians Caring for Creation, and many others.

"Verizon Wireless may say they're an environmentally friendly company, but their mouth isn't where their money is. Verizon Wireless is now aware that they paid money to sponsor an event that celebrates mountaintop removal coal mining, and they have not withdrawn their sponsorship. They can keep saying they're a friend to the environment until they're green in the face, but there's just no environmentally friendly way to blow up mountains and dump them into streams," said Tierra Curry, a biologist at the Center for Biological Diversity.

More groups are expected to sign on to the letter, which will be updated on Monday. As of Friday morning, nearly 80,000 concerned citizens had submitted letters to Verizon Wireless through CREDO Action and the Center asking the company to withdraw its sponsorship of the event. Other groups have also launched action alerts to their membership.

Appalachian Voices
The Center for Biological Diversity
Christians Caring for Creation
Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Coal River Mountain Watch
Defenders of Wildlife
Endangered Habitats League
Environmental Protection Information Center
Friends of the Earth
Global Exchange
Grand Canyon Wildlands Council
Great Old Broads for Wilderness
Greenpeace
Kentucky Heartwood
Natural Resources Defense Council
New Sustainability Project
Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
Public Resource Associates
Rainforest Action Network
Responsible Endowments Coalition
San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards

more (and links to action info):
http://wvablue.com/diary/4950/over-20-groups-call-for-verizon-wireless-to-answer-for-support-of-blankenships-rally