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Earlier this month I wrote about a coal industy lobbying group that apparently forged letters to Congress denouncing the pending climate bill, and lo and behold, more letters have emerged.  I’m once again appalled, but sadly not surprised, that the industry has resorted to such dirty tricks to try and protect their dirty energy, and makes me wonder what else they’re scheming.  These five new letters falsely claim to be from various non-profit charities serving the elderly, bringing the total number, so far, to nine.

The previous letters were purportedly sent from minority and civil rights organizations, including the N.A.A.C.P.   The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (A.C.C.C.E.) has disavowed knowledge of the letters and the lobbying firm Bonner & Associates, which is affiliated with the A.C.C.C.E., has said that the temporary employee that sent the letters has been fired.  But something tells me the plot involves more than a temp, and hopefully the trail will lead back to the guilty parties higher up in the food chain.

The letters not only reveal the persistent threat to an ethical and open discussion for the climate legislation, but they are also problematic for legitimate nonprofit groups that worry Congress will be skeptical of any letters they receive in the future.  The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which passed the House in June and awaits voting in the Senate, must pass if our country is to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions.  Let’s hope progress isn’t slowed or halted by any more shenanigans.