Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator and a long time friend of Big Oil, was just indicted for concealing payments of more than $250,000 in goods and services he allegedly received from an oil company.
He literally lives in the house that oil built. According to the court papers, Sen. Stevens received items including the creation of a new first floor, garage and a wraparound deck on the Alaskan property he fondly dubbed "the chalet". He also received a professional gas grill and a tool cabinet.
In return, the oil company's former leader sought funding and help with international projects in Pakistan and Russia, as well as federal grant and contract requests. The oil company's officials also sought assistance to construct a natural gas pipeline on Alaska's north slope.
For decades, Sen. Stevens has sided with Big Oil, fighting to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and repeatedly denying the existence of global warming. He has voted against considering climate science in planning water projects, he has denied funding for land and water conservation, and he has stood in the way of EPA enforcement of the Clean Water Act since he opposed its passage over 30 years ago.
Amidst the scandal and failed policies of the past, it's time for Sen. Stevens to step down -- and open the door for a new U.S. Senator who would take the effects of global warming seriously. Tell Sen. Stevens: your drilling days are over.
We are appalled at the recent news that you have been indicted on seven felony counts for concealing payments of more than $250,000, allegedly received from an oil company for renovations on your home in Alaska.
Your drilling days are over. Amidst your scandalous ties to Big Oil and your failed policies of the past, it's time for you to step down -- and open the door for a new U.S. Senator who would take the effects of global warming on Alaska's environment seriously.
It has been reported that you are temporarily giving up your leadership posts, as compelled under Senate Republican party rules. That is not enough. While you have the right to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, we believe you no longer deserve the honest and honorable title of U.S. Senator.
This long-running federal corruption investigation in Alaska has been enough scandal for the state and country. We believe it is time for you to step down from your Senate position.
