Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – The Senate passed the debt limit deal that will allow the nation to pay its bills, but sets a dangerous precedent for fossil fuel companies to circumvent environmental reviews for fossil fuel projects. The deal was struck after weeks of Republicans threatening to default on America’s debts unless extreme provisions were included, like massive cuts in spending, gutting bedrock environmental laws, overturning popular provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more.
The bill that will now go to President Biden’s desk will expedite the fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline by approving every permit and authorization required by federal environmental laws, mandating that the Army Corps issue a permit within 21 days of enactment, and attempting to preclude judicial review. The agreement also needlessly undermines parts of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a bedrock environmental law, and caps funding for agencies that protect our air, water, and the climate. It will also make it harder for those in need to get food assistance by expanding work requirements.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Despite what Congressional Republicans may believe, one of the most basic functions of government – paying our bills – is not a tool to hold our country hostage or capitulate to special interests intent on destroying the planet. In manufacturing this crisis, our government has said the quiet part out loud: America is still open for business when it comes to the fossil fuel industry. It did not have to be this way. The American people deserve better from their government. They deserve a clean debt ceiling bill. Tonight’s vote will not stop us from using every tool at our disposal in our fight to protect nature and people from polluting industries. We will continue to fight to uphold critical environmental protections.”
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.