New EDF Action Ad: Gardner Mislead Coloradans with “Windmill” Pledge

Following Senator Cory Gardner’s decision to vote in favor installing former coal industry lobbyist Andrew Wheeler as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, EDF Action launched an ad criticizing the senator’s misleading claims to support clean energy. The new ad from EDF Action, an environmental advocacy group, opens with an image from Gardner’s own 2014 campaign spot, in which he stood in front of wind turbines, suggesting his support for clean air.

“Cory Gardner mislead his constituents when he claimed he would stand up for clean energy. When he got to Washington, he started voting with polluters. Now he’s on record as supporting a coal lobbyist to run the agency that’s supposed to keep our air and water clean,” said Joe Bonfiglio, president of EDF Action.

“After eight months as acting EPA administrator, Andrew Wheeler’s record is clear – he’s attacked rules limiting toxic mercury, acid gases, and carbon pollution – and Senator Gardner still voted to support him. Gardner’s TV ads do not match his voting record — and that will mean more asthma attacks, more heart problems and unhealthy air. Coloradans should take Sen. Gardner to task for talking one way and voting another,” said Bonfiglio.

President Donald Trump nominated Wheeler to run the EPA after former administrator Scott Pruitt resigned under a cloud of scandal. Wheeler had served as Pruitt’s top deputy and took over the agency as acting administrator eight months ago.

The ad, which can be seen here, will run in Denver and Colorado Springs starting this week.