Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org or 202-670-5585
WASHINGTON, D.C - Donald Trump has asked for and received the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and appointed Matt Whitaker to replace him.
In Response, the Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune Released the Following Statement:
“The American people just voted to hold Trump accountable for the corruption and malfeasance pervading this government, and a new Congress must be prepared to hold his feet to the fire by investigating his continued abuse of power and attempts to obstruct justice.
“Trump is appointing Matt Whitaker to oversee this investigation precisely because Whitaker has said publicly that he doesn't think the investigation should exist in the first place. That’s why Whitaker must recuse himself immediately. It is essential for the Special Counsel’s investigation to continue unimpeded, and to be independent of Donald Trump’s influence. It is equally critical for the next nominee for Attorney General to pledge full independence for the Special Counsel, and to demonstrate a true commitment to justice and voting rights for all.
“As a Congress elected to serve as a check on Trump takes power, it is necessary to protect the Special Counsel from Trump’s attempts to obstruct justice by passing the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, which has already passed the Republican controlled Senate Judiciary Committee.”
WHY THE SIERRA CLUB HAS A POSITION ON THE SPECIAL COUNSEL’S INVESTIGATION
“As the nation’s largest grassroots environmental advocacy organization, with millions of members and supporters nationwide, the Sierra Club is a key part of U.S. civil society and a bulwark for both environmental protection and safeguarding American democracy. The Sierra Club and all of civil society require a functioning government and democratic access to that government to achieve our mission of protecting the human and natural environment. If the rule of law means nothing, then the entire bedrock legal infrastructure which exists to protect the environment in our country, including the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, the Endangered Species Act, and more, can be rendered meaningless. We can’t let that happen.”
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.