Gabby Brown, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gathered for its monthly meeting. At the meeting, the commissioners discussed updates to FERC’s recent policy statements on pipeline reviews, as well as voting to approve expansions of three fracked gas pipelines.
Kelly Sheehan, Sierra Club Senior Director of Energy Campaigns, released the following statement:
“The fossil fuel industry and the politicians they finance are pitching a fit because they’re worried FERC’s modest proposed policy changes might mean they no longer have free rein to build as many polluting pipelines as they want with no regard for the impacts on communities or the climate. The commission’s draft policy statements are just a small step towards doing what’s legally required of them and building a fairer system, but FERC’s approval today of fracked gas pipelines makes it painfully clear that FERC has not changed course. However, the courts are increasingly affirming that FERC cannot ignore climate and environmental justice impacts of the projects they approve, and as long as they fail to take these impacts seriously, they'll continue to lose in court.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.