CNN

Former Vice President Al Gore used Earth Day to criticize congressional Republicans for opposing President Obama's agenda.

(CNN) - Former Vice President Al Gore used Earth Day to criticize congressional Republicans for opposing President Obama's agenda, and he called on donors to give to House Democrats as a way to help expand their majority in the 2010 elections.

Gore, the most high profile spokesperson on the danger of global warming, specifically mentions this issue in the letter sent Wednesday to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) e-mail list.

"I can tell you that President Obama has signaled in the strongest possible terms that he intends to take bold steps and harness innovative resources to solve the climate crisis," Gore wrote in the letter. "Not only that, but Speaker Pelosi has said she will personally shepherd climate legislation through.

"But neither of them can do it alone – and the clock is ticking. We need a strong Democratic majority in Congress and the widespread support of concerned Americans like you."

Gore accused the GOP of putting up "partisan roadblocks in the way of forward-thinking legislation."

A Republican campaign spokesman dismissed Gore's plea and in doing so took a shot at the failed 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis.

"You would think the DCCC understands that trotting out Democratic has-beens is bad for the political environment," said Ken Spain, communications director of the National Republican Congressional Committee. "What's next? Michael Dukakis soliciting funds on Armed Forces Day?"

Gore is scheduled to testify Friday before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on "The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009."