Kim Pope (303) 454-3374 or kim.pope@sierraclub.org
Denver, CO-- Today, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner voted to open the door to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain. The Senate Budget Committee released a budget resolution including instructions to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to generate $1 billion over 10 years for the federal budget, instructions that will likely lead to drilling for oil in the Arctic Refuge.
In using the budget reconciliation process, protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge can be overturned by a simple majority vote. Gardner, a known flip-flopper on the issue, offered his support today despite opposing initial attempts and claims of protecting public lands.
In response, Kim Pope of the Sierra Club’s Our Wild America in Colorado campaign issued the following statement:
“As someone who boasts his devotion to public lands, Gardner showed his hypocrisy in helping pass this resolution. His support not only threatens one of the world’s last pieces of wilderness but also the Gwich’in nation who rely on a healthy Arctic for survival.
“Our senator blatantly turned his back on constituents-- with recent polling showing strong support for protecting this pristine place.
“If a budget reflects values, we need to question our senator's right now. Gardner must consider the importance of human rights and environment and stop this inevitable disaster from advancing any further.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.