Here’s one you may have missed from the Earth Times. It would appear that The Environmental Defense Fund isn’t just in the business of offering consumers wallet-sized seafood sustainability guides but it’s also in the business of offering politicians money to testify duringhearings.

Yep, those are the accusations from something called the Costal Jobs Coalition out in Oregon. The Coalition has contacted the State Ethics Commission writing;

• “It has come to our attention today that the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which is actively lobbying state and local officials in Oregon regarding ocean fisheries issues, is offering to pay current and former elected officials – county, port and city commissioners from Oregon coastal communities to attend and testify at a hearing of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council next week in San Diego California.”
• “…this type of gift from a lobbying organization is illegal under Oregon law.”

Do I think EDF is running around Oregon with sacks of cash showing up at the front door of lawmakers across the state wearing a big wink and a smile? Probably not– EDF didn’t just fall of the turnip truck. It’s a savvy lobbying organization. I’m sure there are some ethics law loop holes and devilish details that make what they’re doing quasi legit.

But Oregon just happens to be home to the University of Oregon Ducks and you know what they say about ducks don’t you?

If it looks like a duck… and quacks like a duck…

I can’t wait to hear an explanation from EDF for this one but until we do it’s just going to keep on quacking.