Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – House Republicans just passed their polluter wishlist bill in exchange for fulfilling their obligation to raise the debt ceiling and avert a financial crisis. The final version of the bill included even more drastic cuts to widely-supported programs and efforts after changes were made in the middle of the night to garner support of some holdouts within their caucus. President Biden has already vowed to veto the bill, which means this stunt gives Congress little time to seriously address the possibility of defaulting on the nation’s debt.
In addition to cuts to vital programs that will hurt families trying to make ends meet, the bill would slash investments in clean energy, environmental justice, climate action, undermine bedrock environmental laws and speed up approval of polluting fossil fuel projects. It also would eliminate popular programs passed in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act geared toward helping people afford energy efficient upgrades to make their homes and businesses safer, more comfortable, and reduce their energy bills. These efforts would significantly weaken America’s ability to compete in the global clean energy manufacturing race.
Many of the members who voted for this bill voted against the interests of their constituents as subsidies for clean energy production and other financial incentives meant to boost domestic manufacturing would go to their states.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Failure to raise the debt ceiling will cause harm to the nation. Cutting vital programs will cause harm to millions of families. And cutting widely-supported clean energy and energy efficiency programs will cost us jobs while threatening our future. House Republicans have wasted precious time passing legislation that will go nowhere while telling us they have no interest in our economy now or in our future. Simply put, this bill would spell economic disaster while setting the country far behind our competition in the race to be a leader in the clean energy economy. It is time for Congress to take sober action and introduce clean legislation.”
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.