850 Climate Volunteers Flood Capitol With Clean Energy Push

Eight hundred fifty volunteers flooded the U.S. Capitol last week with a simple message: clean energy is winning, and it's time Congress caught up.

Larry Steele from Des Moines and Michael Turog from West Seattle joined citizens from every state at the Citizens' Climate Lobby national conference. They met directly with senators and representatives to share an encouraging fact that's changing the energy landscape.

"Wind and solar energy are now less expensive than oil and gas," the duo reported. That's not a prediction or a goal anymore. It's happening right now.

The nationwide lobbying effort brought everyday Americans into the halls of power to advocate for renewable energy expansion. These weren't paid professionals or corporate representatives. They were neighbors, parents, and concerned citizens taking time from their lives to push for progress.

The Ripple Effect

This grassroots movement shows how citizen advocacy can amplify positive change that's already underway. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and accessible, voices like Steele's and Turog's help accelerate the transition by connecting economic reality with policy action.

The South Seattle Chapter meets monthly to train more advocates and share strategies. Their next gathering happens August 19 at 6 p.m. at the Beacon Hill branch of Seattle Public Library, with online access available for those who can't attend in person.

The meeting gives South Seattle and South King County residents practical tools to advocate for clean energy in their communities. Anyone interested in joining the movement can participate, whether they're seasoned activists or just starting to learn about renewable energy policy.

When renewable energy becomes cheaper than fossil fuels and 850 citizens show up to make sure Congress knows it, that's democracy and progress working together.