Anti-Oil Antics

Anti-Oil Antics

Outside of the New York International Automobile Show at New York City’s Javits Center, as the smell of burnt pretzels wafts through the air, a group of 10 people form a line. Standing shoulder to shoulder in black t-shirts that read "OEA," they put their hands over their hearts as they take an oath to reduce oil use in America.

The people in line are members of the Oil Enforcement Agency (OEA), and the oath is a skit—one of many stunts the group has pulled at auto shows and car dealerships across the country. The group is the comedic arm of the Free From Oil Campaign, which was created by the non-profit Rainforest Action Network to "end America’s oil dependence, reduce oil related conflicts, and stop global climate change by convincing the entire auto industry to dramatically improve fuel efficiency and eliminate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions," according to the OEA’s website.

Once inside the auto show, a small OEA task force huddles together as Jodie VanHorn, the team leader, gives instructions. They’re going to "impound" (which in OEA speak means put caution tape around) the Toyota Tundra, whose measly mileage (14 miles per gallon in the city and 18 on the highway), makes it one of the most polluting of vehicles on the road today. "We step up in the absence of better leadership," says VanHorn. Then she gives the order: "Agents, it’s time to impound the Tundra."

via | Watch Video | Oil Enforcement Agency