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."

Over 100 students from Oregon and Washington State poured into the offices of their representatives—including Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Representative Joe Schmick (R-WA), and Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR)—to voice their demands for clean and renewable energy initiatives. When they discovered they wouldn't be able to meet with Senator Merkley, the students decided to not only write 30 hand-written letters, but also to march into his office and meet with anyone who would listen. Within his first hour of being on the job, Sen. Merkley's new Environmental and Climate Advisor Jeremiah Bowerman sat down with them to listen to their requests for state and federal climate policy that would specifically stop Liquefied National Gas production.

"We're hoping this will be the first big step in the march through this legislative session," said Global Exchange Northwest Power Shift organizer Monica Vaughan. "The students feel really engaged and empowered through this process of working together."

Fresh off the Hill, these determined and inspired students from throughout the Northwest are returning to their state today to voice their demands for clean and renewable energy policies even more loudly, having already organized a lobby day in Oregon later this month.

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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