"A $5 million prime-time ad campaign is aimed at climate policies the industry claims make life miserable for Californians."

"A woman swelters in her darkened bedroom; another stares glumly at the utility bills piled on her desk. A motorist watches with resignation as the gas pump dial spins and the dollar amount climbs while a woman sits behind the wheel of her car and sobs at the hopelessness of it all.

The minute-long advertisement’s dystopian take on everyday life in the Golden State is underscored by a singer crooning country singer Cody Jinks’ mournful lyrics: “It’s been too long a time with no peace of mind, and I’m ready for the times to get better.”

The ad wasn’t released by a presidential campaign or a social justice organization. Instead, it was produced by the Western States Petroleum Association, the powerhouse oil industry trade and lobbying group. Its implicit message is that policies to fight climate change are hurting regular Californians."

Aaron Cantú reports for Capital & Main August 27, 2024. [2]