Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Department of the Interior unveiled a proposed rule to reform the federal onshore oil and gas leasing program. The proposed rule includes significant changes to bonding and royalties, which have long-favored the fossil fuel industry. However, the official text does not mention climate change as a motivating factor in the rule's proposition.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous issued the following statement:
“The Biden administration is taking some much needed action by advancing bonding and royalties reform, which will create financial accountability for the oil and gas industry profiting off the destruction of public lands. However, this rule fails to mention the elephant in the room: climate change. Corporate polluters must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis. We strongly urge the administration to implement robust climate rules that will preserve lands and waters, protect nature and habitats, and safeguard our communities.”
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.