Peter Altman- Environmental Campaigner
by Vicki Wolf

Peter Altman is a very active and effective environmental activist. For more than two decades he has worked diligently to promote sustainable energy, clean jobs and a clean environment. Working with the SEED Coalition (Sustainable Energy and Economic Development), Altman was instrumental in getting Texas to clean up its dirtiest power plants resulting in the clean up of 100,000 tons of pollution. The coalition raised enough ruckus to get Governor Bush to sign into law a state mandate for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, giving renewable energy a foothold in Texas.

Altman also led Campaign ExxonMobil to put unprecedented pressure on the company to acknowledge that global warming is happening due to the burning of fossil fuels, cease its misinformation campaign and make a serious commitment to invest in renewable energy. A religious and environmental coalition, Campaign ExxonMobil explains the risks of global warming to major investors in ExxonMobil so shareholders will support resolutions asking the company to explain strategy and risks regarding global warming. At the last annual shareholders’ meeting, 20.3 percent of ExxonMobil shareholders supported a resolution asking for a report on the company’s plans with regard to renewable energy. For more information about Campaign ExxonMobil, go to www.campaignexxonmobil.org.

Altman says he was nine years old when he first remembers being concerned about the environment. “My parents took me out to some of the western states – we saw Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon,” Altman says. “There was something profound about it. It shaped my attitude about preserving the environment and wild spaces.”

Altman, who grew up in a suburb of New York City, says he didn’t understand the connection then, but he was compelled to take action a year later when a field behind his house got clear cut to put up “cookie cutter houses.” “I use to wander around back there. At some point, I got upset and pulled up the survey stakes,” Altman says. “I’m more conservative now,” he adds. ”I stick within the confines of the law.”

Altman began environmental non-profit work in waste reduction and recycling promotion at Ecology Action of Texas in 1990. He started work with the SEED Coalition in 1994, became director in 1996, and then executive director of the Texas Fund for Energy and Environmental Education – the home of SEED,Campaign ExxonMobil and Empowering Democracy. Altman received the Individual Excellence in Environmental Awareness Award for 2000 from the League of Women Voters of Texas. Under his leadership, SEED received the Texas General Land Office’s 1997 Clean Air Texas Award. For more information about SEED, go to www.seedcoalition.org.

In August, Altman resigned his position with Texas Fund for Energy and Environmental Education and moved to Washington, D.C. to become the director of Campaign to Protect America’s Lands. The goal of this new campaign is to defend America’s natural treasures by exposing and stopping the assault on national parks, forests and national monuments posed by the Bush Administration’s policies.

“The Bush Administration has taken the leash off oil and gas leasing to open up even more of our cherished public lands to drilling and development,” Altman says. The campaign’s fact sheet on Oil Rigs and National Parks: The Bush Administration’s Idea of a Match Made in Heaven states: “Drilling in these fragile areas will destroy critical wildlife habitat, damage scenic character of the lands for visitors and recreationists, and may result in increased water and air pollution. The road construction necessary for drilling rigs to access remote sites will cause additional damage.”

Important sites threatened by large-scale oil and gas development fostered by the Bush Administration’s policies include Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas coast. According to the fact sheet, BNP Petroleum Corporation has already drilled a natural gas well within the park, bringing traffic along 15 miles of the beach. In November 2002, the administration approved the creation of two new onshore gas wells within the park in areas where critically endangered sea turtles come ashore to nest. For more information about Campaign Protect America’s Lands, go to www.protectamericaslands.org.

Last June, Altman participated in a panel discussion at the River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women’s gathering in Houston. In closing, he recognized Jane Dale Owen for “her efforts in the fight for a cleaner environment and a sustainable future.” Altman said, “She has made an extraordinary personal and financial commitment in supporting the work of responsible corporate conduct and effective citizen outreach.”

Peter Altman really makes a difference is contributing to making the world a better place with his work on campaigns for clean air, water and energy, and to protect wild national treasures.

Each person can make a difference. Altman suggests, “People should think about what the environment means to them. Is it breathing fresh air, drinking clean water, or just knowing that magnificent places are out there – and find a local group to expand their interest and involvement. Also, figure out the most competent presidential candidate on the environment, and vote for them.”

In summary he adds, “Take care of it [the environment], it’s the only one we’ve got.”

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