Astroturf Alert: Fake "Grassroots" Rallies Opposing Global Warming Legislation in Minnesota

 A so-called "Minnesota Energy Citizens' Rally" for "affordable energy"-- long a code word for coal, oil and nuclear power--is set to take place in South St. Paul on Monday, August 31 at 11am.

Event sponsors include the MinnesotaFarm Bureau, River Heights Chamber of Commerce, Freedom Foundation of Minnesota, Free Market Institute,  MN Taxpayers League, Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota.

"These are multi-million dollar, business organizations who routinely oppose any and all pro-environment legislation in the Minnesota Legislature. The Farm Bureau is essentially an insurance company and financial services company. The Chamber of Commerce proudly  represents the interests of big business. The Taxpayers League is one of the most powerful right-wing lobby groups at the Capitol," said a source with a local environmental organization.

 The rally will take place at South St Paul Hotel and Conference Center--a rather posh venue for a grassroots event. Sponsors will provide free barbeque to attendees, which will likely be fossil fuel company employees bused in to the site, based on anti-clean energy rallies in other states.

Counter-demonstators are expected.