Pinwheels for Energy

“Sometimes the solution is right in front of you,” says Congressman Murphy in his newest campaign ad, referring to the energy crisis. Amidst sunny images of parks, solar energy panels and wind turbines, Murphy and a young friend play with a colorful pinwheel.

I agree, Congressman Murphy. One of the solutions to the energy crisis is right in front of us, and you have repeatedly voted against it. Increasing our domestic oil supply will bridge the transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, and a pinwheel isn’t going to get us to work or heat our homes.

Not only does Congressman Murphy’s new ad neglect to mention that he has repeatedly voted against one of the best solutions to the energy crisis, but both of his campaign ads feature the Gamesa Corporation, located in Fairless Hills, PA. A manufacturer of wind turbines, the corporation has brought jobs to our area…unfortunately, they have also brought environmental emissions infractions and allegations of unfair labor practices.

In August, Gamesa was fined $639,161 for exceeding emissions levels and inadequate record keeping by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Just this week, three former Gamesa employees filed a lawsuit against the company for wrongful termination. The former employees allege that younger workers, brought in from out of the country, replaced them.

“I’m all for alternative energy and I think harnessing the wind is one of the keys to moving America off its dependence on foreign oil,” Manion said. “However, the hope for the future is that these other sources of power will be better for our environment. Touting a company that’s harming our environment in the process and is under suspicion for unfair labor practices isn’t something I’d be proud of.”

Green isn’t always clean, Congressman Murphy.