This blog was written by Zachary Jarjoura, Southern Energy Network Media Action Team Leader and Communications Fellowship Coordinator

For more information about the SEN Communications Fellowship, email Zach at zhjarjou@gmail.com.

Today's political landscape is plagued by corruption and influence from special interests who use their deep pockets to push for legislation that benefits them. But over the past few years environmental organizations, specifically those of us who rally around the crisis of climate change, have begun to call attention to the powerful influence of the fossil fuel industry on our political system and law making bodies. With the 2012 presidential and congressional elections just a week away and the climate silence deafening we are cranking up the pressure politicians and making sure that voters consider the environment when they go to the polls! We are doing this in a variety of ways including social media campaigns, research, petition drives, protests, and direct action.

Recently the National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology program released some useful research in a report entitled "A Student’s Guide to How Corporate Oil, Gas and Coal Money Influences U.S. Energy Policy". The report details the fossil fuel industry's political contributions and found that "Since 1999, oil, gas, and coal companies have contributed nearly $1 billion dollars to members of Congress."[1] It goes on to include statistics on the top contributors and receivers of that nearly $1,000,000,000 and also gives students 7 ways to make our voices heard and ensure our elected officials are doing their part tomove us toward climate solutions. The guide is really awesome thanks to its authors and all those who worked on it! Be sure to check it out here!