Energy interests to fund ‘astroturfing’ efforts during congressional break

Posted 3:10 PM on 7 Aug 2009
by Kate Sheppard

Astroturfing – the corporate practice of funding initiatives that mimic “grassroots” support for an issue – has been getting a lot of attention these days, after it came to light that a pro-coal group was ultimately behind forged letters to Congress on the climate bill. But the practice is neither new nor rare, and we can expect to see similar actions over the next weeks as representatives return to their home districts for August recess.