Eric Pollard, an OU graduate attending the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland, encapsulates why I sometimes feel despair:

I’m from Oklahoma. Which as of November 4th, is the reddest, most conservative state in the US (take that Utah!). It’s the home of Senator James Inhofe who has called climate change “the greatest hoax perpetrated on the American people” and has likened a re-energized environmental movement to the Third Reich. Like other areas in the US, organizing in Oklahoma at times feels like a very lonely island.

But…

But it’s also home to one of the only (if not THE only, correct me if I’m wrong) successful US campaigns to stop a nuclear power plant (Blackfoot Nuclear Power Plant outside Inola, OK) and a recent successful campaign to stop a coal-fired power plant that resulted in a decision by OG&E to quadruple their wind development in the state. It boasts a food co-op that has become a national model and a sustainability network involving communities from over 10 of Oklahoma’s largest communities (founded by Emily McCauley former leader in the Sierra Student Coalition).

Building a youth movement and network in Oklahoma is underway. In November, over 40 high school students gathered for ReEnergize Oklahoma to start this process. In addition, planning is underway for major lobbying efforts during the legislative session. An energetic and inspiring base of students is leading the charge.

Oklahomans know what they're doing if they get good information—explaining why the right wing works so hard to make sure they don't. (And if you're thinking of discrediting Eric's organization based on its name, be careful:)

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