‘We’ve Paid Enough’: Veterans Launch New California Ad Campaign Opposing Big Oil Giveaways Amid Gas Price Spike

Press Releases | Conservation
New campaign from Vet Voice Foundation features Air Force veteran Shannon Corbeil, warning that dependence on fossil fuels threatens both economic and national security

SACRAMENTO, CA — A new six-figure television and digital advertising campaign launched today from the Vet Voice Foundation, calling out oil companies for raking in record profits while Californians face skyrocketing prices at the pump – all as the state approaches a key vote for the cap-and-invest program. 

The campaign, titled “We’ve Paid Enough,” will begin airing Monday, May 18 and features California Air Force veteran Shannon Corbeil discussing the national security, economic, and human costs of continued dependence on fossil fuels. The campaign comes as oil companies intensify lobbying  efforts that could cost the state two billion dollars in revenue and weaken  California’s clean energy policies during a period of rising gas prices tied to instability in the Middle East. 

The ad can be seen here: https://youtu.be/Wq9f8UdGohg

“In the military, we saw firsthand how America’s dependence on fossil fuels carries real costs for service members, military families, and civilians alike,” said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of Vet Voice Foundation and Marine Corps veteran. “Big Oil is once again trying to use a moment of global instability and pain at the pump to increase its profits by pressuring California into backing away from clean energy. Veterans and Californians alike understand that true energy security means investing in cheaper, reliable homegrown clean energy that can’t get stuck in a strait.”

BACKGROUND

  • The ad campaign is designed to reach policymakers, political leaders, and influential audiences in Sacramento ahead of a May 28 vote on cap-and-invest implementation details that could determine whether oil companies receive billions in additional pollution allowances and regulatory concessions.
  • The campaign will include broadcast and cable television advertising, streaming video and radio platforms, billboards, YouTube ads, digital placements, podcasts, and multi-channel outreach amplifying veteran voices and public education around the economic and national security benefits of accelerating California’s transition to clean energy.
  • Oil companies and fossil fuel interests have spent record amounts lobbying California policymakers while simultaneously warning that climate policies could increase fuel costs or drive refinery closures. 
  • Vet Voice Foundation and aligned public interest organizations argue the opposite is true: that continued reliance on fossil fuels exposes Californians to global conflict, price volatility, and national security risks.