"As controversy rages over forthcoming federal Real ID requirements, state officials should be plotting public relations strategies to counteract the well-publicized rebellion," suggested speakers at the Government ID Technology Summit in Washington DC. More than 30 states have introduced or passed measures that reject or criticize the Real ID requirement for federally approved, "machine readable" personal identification cards. Civil liberties, privacy and immigrant rights groups have also criticized Real ID. Former Transportation Department official turned private consultant Betty Serian told state and federal officials that "it's a classical textbook case of good communications planning ... and working that into your implementation plan for Real ID." To decrease public opposition, Serian suggested using such pro-Real ID messages as "it's a way to do the right things for the right reason," and "it will help prevent identity theft." Serian stressed "the time is definitely now" to plan Real ID messaging, and outreach through direct mailings, public service announcements and paid advertising.

The coal industry front group Americans for Balanced Energy Choices (ABEC) is seeking public relations help "in targeting the public, politicians, interest groups, and the media" on the national level, and also in Pennsylvania and Nevada. ABEC promotes coal as an "essential, affordable and increasingly clean" source of electricity. The National Journal recently reported that ABEC's budget for PR, advertising and "grassroots" organizing will nearly quadruple, from $8 million to $30 million a year. "Two words sum up why" the coal industry and its allies "opened their checkbooks," wrote the Journal -- "global warming." ABEC notes that "Nevada is perhaps one of the most volatile states in the west regions for ABEC's industry," so its PR work in the state will include issues management, as well as presidential candidate outreach and identifying "cities and communities critical to helping shape policy at the grassroots level." The Pennsylvania campaign will be less intense, involving "regulatory / legislative communications," "grassroots assistance," and various types of media outreach.