Sheez. I just got this in the email, from our friends at Democracy for America:

URGENT: Help Tennessee save the planet

You can help stop one of the greatest environmental polluters in the world -- Tennessee.

The United States is the greatest producer of greenhouse gases in the world and Tennessee has the highest individual consumption of electricity in the country. Tennessee is also the greatest average monthly consumer of industrial electricity, using more than twice as much power as much larger states such as Texas and California.

It's downright shocking. Anyone know where they got these numbers? There's more on the email, and what DFA wants us to do about it (support a Bredesen energy proposal) after the jump.

More from DFA:

URGENT: Help Tennessee save the planet
You can help stop one of the greatest environmental polluters in the world -- Tennessee.

The United States is the greatest producer of greenhouse gases in the world and Tennessee has the highest individual consumption of electricity in the country. Tennessee is also the greatest average monthly consumer of industrial electricity, using more than twice as much power as much larger states such as Texas and California.

Because of our factories and energy generation facilities, we are one of the greatest contributor to the problem of climate change in the world and that means we have the greatest responsibility toward making changes.

Right now Gov. Phil Bredesen is putting together a plan to deal with the problem and we need to show him we're behind his efforts. The more support he gets from the public, the greater the impact he can have both inside the government and with private entities that cause the pollution. I'll tell you how you can help in a minute, but first let me tell you what's being considered.

Gov. Bredeson's staff is considering a comprehensive state energy plan that could:

* Create sustainable energy that maximizes our reliance on energy efficiency and renewable energies.
* Initiate sustainable transportation that reduces our need for oil and new highway construction through public transportation and Smart Growth.
* Aid climate protection by reducing our State’s carbon footprint through energy efficiency and sustainable transportation.
* Promote a sustainable economy that relies on technological innovation and jobs created by the sustainable transformation.
* Support clean water and clean air by relying on energy efficiency, compact development, recycling of resources, and reduced consumption.

In addition, Tennessee needs to set targets for energy efficiency and renewable energies with steps on how to meet them over the years. Other states have set goals to reduce existing energy consumption through energy efficiency. Energy targets need to be clear, shared, measurable, and attainable. The State has many “tools” available to effect change - legislation, policy, regulation, financial and technical assistance, and partnerships (especially with TVA and its distributors.)

Now, here's how you can help.

The "rules for activists" say I should write a letter for you to copy and paste into an e-mail that you could send to the appropriate people, but I'm not going to do that here. The crisis we face with climate change is so serious and Tennessee is such a major contributor to the problem, that I'm asking you to make an extra effort so that we can have an even greater impact.

Politicians quickly recognize form letters, but personal letters and phone calls have a much greater impact. Now is the time for us to do all we can to save the environment for future generations.

So, please, take a few minutes and write a personal note to Gov. Bredesen and Ryan Gooch, the state's energy policy director and tell them:

1. Why the issue of climate change is important to you.
2. Why you support a comprehensive energy plan.
3. What actions you'd like the state to consider (feel free to use information from the list above).
4. Pledge your support for their actions.
5. Thank them for acting on these issue.

Be polite. When environmental groups contacted the state on the issue, they found Gov. Bredeson and Mr. Gooch were already considering a strategy. They already want to do the right thing -- they just need an outpouring of support to help them.

Please contact:

Governor Phil Bredesen (phil.bredesen@state.tn.us)
Ryan Gooch, State Energy Policy (ryan.gooch@state.tn.us) 615-741-2994

Thanks for all that you do -- and especially for making an extra effort to help save our planet.

Jim Grinstead
Chair