Washington, D.C.-- Twelve thousand young leaders converged on Washington, D.C. to participate in Power Shift 09 over the weekend to demand that the President and Congress pass bold, just climate and energy policy in 2009 that dramatically reduces emissions, creates millions of green job and repowers America with 100% clean energy. Despite a snow storm that paralyzed much of the city, the four-day event concluded with a day full of hundreds of lobby visits and a rally with more than 3,000 youth on Capitol Hill. Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass), Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming presided over a congressional briefing later in the day where young people testified about the need for Congress to take bold action this year.

"Just as the youth of America turned out in record numbers to elect a new President and transform Congress in the last election, they turned out in record numbers to take our rightful seat at the political table," said Jessy Tolkan, director of Power Shift organizer Energy Action Coalition. "This year's participation is twice as big and twice as energetic as our last gathering in 2007. We stand at a critical point in our nation's history, ready to work with our new leadership to pass bold climate and energy policies. We won't allow this moment to pass us by."

The California student contingent stood over 400 strong, pouring into the offices of their representatives—including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA)—to voice their demands that the U.S. needs to lead the world to a clean and equitable energy future. They pointed to the necessity of immediate energy and climate policies to deal with not only the climate crisis, but also the economic crisis.

"We're bringing back more than just information to our communities," said Global Exchange California Power Shift organizer Nina Rizzo. "We're bringing back renewed commitment, and we'll be meeting with our representatives in our hometowns to make sure the U.S. passes bold climate policy this year."

Fresh off the Hill, these determined and inspired students from throughout California are returning to their state today to voice their demands for clean and renewable energy policies even more loudly, preparing to schedule in-district meetings for April.

Power Shift '09 was the first gathering of young people following a historic election that was decided by the passion and power of youth constituents. Now, Power Shift participants are demanding that the politicians they elected into power listen to their constituents by reducing emissions appropriately, creating green jobs, and reengaging globally.

About Power Shift '09 The Power Shift '09 summit kicked off on Friday, February 27 with keynote addresses by Jessy Tolkan, Energy Action Coalition; U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson; Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar; Representatives Ed Markey and Donna Edwards; Van Jones, President, Green for All and others. Dance-hall artist Santigold and The Roots led the musical performances.

The 4-day summit also included:

• Seminars, panels and workshops
• A green career fair
• Legislative briefings and activist trainings
• A day of action on Monday, March 2, where hundreds of youth flooded the halls of Congress to lobby their representatives in more than 360 scheduled meetings

In just four years, the organizers of Power Shift '09, Energy Action Coalition, has grown to include 50 national organizations, over 700 local groups and tens of thousands of young people all working together to successfully fight dirty energy development and promote positive, clean energy solutions on campuses and communities around the country.

For more information visit: www.powershift09.org

Follow Power Shift on Twitter: @PowerShift09

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