Coming Clean: Breaking America's Addiction to Oil and Coal

According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Americans believe the U.S. should be energy-independent, and more than 70 percent believe the government should do more to help arrest climate change. Yet Congress and the White House take only tiny steps toward these goals, and large-scale investment in clean energy lags far behind the urgent demand. Michael Brune, executive director of Rainforest Action Network (RAN), shows how motivated citizens can engage in promoting solutions and collectively pressure policymakers and corporations to change their energy priorities. His vivid reports depict the economic, environmental, moral, and public-health costs of fossil-fuel dependence, and how government and financial institutions are complicit. Brune also describes the most promising developments in renewables, biofuels, and efficient design, and outlines an inspiring vision of the clean energy future within reach. Offering well-tested action strategies, Coming Clean is rooted in the author's faith that Americans acting together can create profound change.

"An experienced political activist and straight-talker, executive director of the Rainforest Action Network Brune challenges average citizens to join him in the fight for clean energy, warning that, even though "60 percent of Americans believe that we must take action now," it will only happen by 'changing corporate America and challenging our political leaders.' Presenting a trove of information, Brune looks at the costs of oil dependency, the dirty mechanics of so-called "clean coal," the role played by politics and finance, and the possibilities for a post-oil economy. 'Take Action' sections at the end of each chapter suggest further reading and viewing, ways to profile an adversary, how to identify the most important issues to you, and what to do from there (speaking out, organizing others, taking your demands to government representatives). While Brune is obviously looking to recruit converts, his guide contains enough solid, interesting information (Ford Motor Company's current fleet averages fewer miles per gallon than their old Model-T) to fill in anyone interested in the present state of the energy economy." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Brune offers an enlightened yet impassioned manifesto on how to achieve clean energy." Booklist

In this timely book, the executive director of Rainforest Action Network (RAN), shows how motivated American citizens can engage in promoting solutions and collectively pressure policymakers and corporations to change their energy priorities.

Michael Brune is executive director of Rainforest Action Network and provides strategic direction for its Freedom from Oil campaign