Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - The Sierra Club has launched ads in Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district praising Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-3) for his vote on H.R. 3055, a government funding package that includes major victories for clean air, clean water, and our public lands.
Phillips voted for an amendment to the bill that would halt President Trump’s proposal to roll back lifesaving standards to reduce toxic mercury protection in place and protect the health of countless children from exposure to this potent neurotoxin. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), finalized by the Obama administration in 2012, are responsible for preventing up to 11,000 fatalities and 130,000 asthma attacks each year.
On top of the supporting lifesaving protections from toxic mercury pollution and increased funding for critical public lands and environmental programs, the package also includes a one-year moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on public lands in Chaco Canyon and off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, and places limits on road-building in the critically important Tongass National Forest.
With help from Representatives like Phillips, H.R. 3055 made it through the House without any of the anti-environmental riders that the fossil fuel industry, polluting corporations, and their allies had previously forced in.
“The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards are a key water and air quality safeguard protecting our kids’ health and the environment. Sierra Club applauds Congressman Phillips for standing up to corporate polluters and protecting the health of our kids, our clean air and water, and the fish we eat,” said Maragaret Levin, State Director for the Sierra Club North Star Chapter.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.