Morgan Caplan, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – Today, following lobbying efforts and a massive rally outside the Capitol against the permitting loophole bill, 72 House members led by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Grijalva sent a letter to House leadership opposing the inclusion of the polluter loophole bill in any must-pass legislation. This piece of legislation, negotiated with Senator Manchin in exchange for his support for the Inflation Reduction Act, would gut bedrock environmental protections and would endanger public health, fast-track fossil fuels, and push approval for the fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline.
According to Sierra Club Deputy Legislative Director Mahyar Sorour:
“We applaud Chair Grijalva and House Members for their leadership and taking this critical step to protect communities and our climate. Now we urge Members of Congress to finish the job by committing to oppose this polluter loophole bill and decouple from any must-pass legislation. This is nothing more than a handout to the fossil fuel industry that will throw frontline communities under the bus.”
“Frontline communities in Appalachia -- and across the country -- should not be used as bargaining chips. Requiring a robust review and proper public input, especially as these dirty projects impact the community or the environment is imperative to ensure that we put the voices of frontline and environmental justice communities over profits.”
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.