Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House of Representatives held two markups on a package of bills that would exacerbate the climate crisis, perpetuate environmental injustices, and undermine US economic and national security by prolonging reliance on risky and volatile energy sources. The bills would also undermine bedrock environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, by short-circuiting permitting processes and limiting valuable public input.
The set of bills considered in the House Energy and Commerce committee seek to undo and undermine the historic progress made last Congress on climate and environmental justice. Sierra Club and 101 other organizations sent a letter ahead of the markup to oppose the legislation being considered. One of those harmful bills repeals the Methane Emissions Reduction Program created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is an efficient and effective way to address climate change, reduce needless waste, and protect the health of the millions of Americans living in or around active oil and gas sites.
The House Natural Resources committee marked up H.R. 1335— the Transparency, Accountability, Permitting and Production of (TAPP) American Resources Act. H.R 1335 is a massive giveaway to the oil and gas industry. It would roll back bedrock environmental laws, and expand oil and gas development on public lands and waters.
These bills were passed out of both committees and are expected to be brought to the House floor for a vote.
In response, Director of Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy Mahyar Sorour released the following statement:
“House Republicans are looking to give handouts to their friends in the fossil fuel industry at every turn, whether it’s pushing through dirty infrastructure projects without adequate review or making it easier for oil and gas companies to pollute our communities without consequence. These are a dangerous set of bills with even worse potential impacts on our climate and health, should they become law. Sierra Club urges the House of Representatives to oppose this legislation and instead work to find solutions that deliver affordable, clean energy to homes and protect our environment.”
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.