Black Conservatives Push for Expanded Energy Production

Avery Palmer, CQ Politics

The launch of a new commission designed to engage African Americans on climate change has sparked a backlash from black conservatives.

Niger Innis, co-chairman of the Alliance to Stop the War on the Poor, described the commission as “patronizing and insulting,” calling it “a sham effort by environmental extremists” that would raise energy costs for black Americans.

The alliance — launched last month at a Capitol Hill rally with several Republican members of Congress in attendance — describes itself as a coalition of African American, civil rights, and faith-based leaders pushing for more domestic energy production in an effort to bring down energy prices.

Critics say the group is too focused on business interests.

Avery Palmer, CQ Politics