Growth Energy ’Takes Over’ DC Metro Stop Closest to Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, DC – The message is one step off the escalators at the Capitol South Metro stop: “No beaches have been closed due to ETHANOL spills…. America’s CLEAN fuel.”
The 10×12 foot floor mat, dotted by artwork of oil-soaked boot prints and emblazoned with the Growth Energy logo, is only the first message seen by what will be an estimated 423,000 visitors to the Metro station over the month of June. Capitol South Metro – the closest stop to the U.S. Capitol, the offices of the House of Representatives, and the headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee – is the focus of a month-long advertising “take over” by Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters.
The station take-over includes 46 posters, banners, floor graphics, pylon wraps and posters that cover the station. Christopher Thorne, public affairs director for Growth Energy, said the group launched the station domination to increase awareness among top decision-makers of the benefits of domestic ethanol as an alternative to oil.
“For the next month, every person walking through the Capitol South Metro stop will see our message that domestic ethanol is America’s fuel because it is renewable, clean, homegrown, creates U.S. jobs and strengthens our national security,” Thorne said. “As Congress debates energy and climate legislation, we want to make sure that domestic ethanol is part of the conversation. There is no question as to ethanol’s benefits – we are just seeking to turn up the volume and target our audience at a critical time.”
The “take-over” coincides with a six-month, $2.5 million campaign currently airing six television spots on four cable networks: Fox, MSNBC, CNN and HLN (formerly Headline News). Each of the six spots focuses on a particular message about ethanol: Independent, Clean, Renewable, Peace, Sensible and Economic.
“At Growth Energy we are working to ensure that the positive message about ethanol reaches all corners of the country,” said CEO Tom Buis. “As Congress begins debate on energy and climate legislation, this campaign will help us extend the reach of our message to the influential leaders and policymakers living in our nation’s capitol.”
Photos of the Capitol South Metro covered in the “America’s Fuel” message are available on our Flickr page.
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.