Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Late last night, it was reported that Senator Joe Manchin is abandoning the effort to make critical investments in climate action, clean energy, and environmental justice. At a time when families are facing rising energy costs and pain at the pump, a budget reconciliation package would put money back in the pockets of the workers who are most impacted by economic inequity and the costs of climate-fueled disasters. Failure to pass these investments would exacerbate the climate crisis and prevent us from meeting President Biden’s goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030.
In Response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce Released the Following Statement:
“Once again, Joe Manchin is putting polluter profits ahead of the health and wellbeing of the American people, especially for communities that have long been hit hardest by the devastation of pollution, climate change, and lack of investments in our future. We are horrified by his choice to walk away from any meaningful action on climate and to favor his coal profits over our struggling families and communities.
“The American people elected President Biden and a Democratic Congress to enact a bold and urgent agenda to address the severe, interlocking crises we face. The Democratic caucus and hundreds of thousands of grassroots supporters across the country have fought tirelessly for well over a year for a package of broad and bold investments in climate, care, jobs, and justice that lowers energy costs. One lone senator, bought out by his corporate polluters, has selfishly stood in the way of meaningful action to address these crises and enact a plan to reduce harmful emissions and protect our communities that are disproportionately burdened by pollution.
“This is not over. The Sierra Club will continue the fight to protect our communities from the climate crisis, to support family-sustaining jobs, and to achieve our transition into a 100% clean economy. Congress and the Biden administration still have the ability to fulfill their oath to the American people. Failure to act on climate is not an option.”
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.