Environmentalists called Democratic governors “liars” on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia Wednesday.
The protesters attending the Politico energy policy event rushed the stage and screamed “liars” from the audience while flying banners. They attended the event to hold Democratic governors to account, who say they support action to combat climate change but also support oil and natural gas development.
The targets of the anti-fossil fuel activists were governors Jay Inslee of Washington and John Hickenlooper of Colorado. Inslee had just finished describing his efforts to enact a carbon tax in his state when a protester stood up, calling the two governors “liars” who are “poisoning Americans.”
Others soon rushed the stage, confronting the governors on how the oil and gas industry “is ravaging voters.”
The protesters were soon ushered out, but later came in force to shut down the event by screaming over the moderator.
Politico energy reporter Elana Schor, who served as the panel’s moderator, called the second round of protests the “proverbial curtain dropping.” Inslee thanked everyone for coming and for expressing their opinions and left the stage.
Hickenlooper will address the convention Thursday night ahead of presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s acceptance speech.
