Grace Nolan, grace@team-arc.com
Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
** READ THE LETTER **
Washington, DC — Fifty-six climate and environmental justice organizations sent a letter urging Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to oppose H.R. 1130 – Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2023 – and any other efforts that would accelerate the expansion of gas exports, known as LNG. H.R. 1130 is expected to be one of a number of bills considered during the Republican-led “Energy Week,” which begins on February 12.
Below is an excerpt from the letter:
“Thanks to the unprecedented growth in LNG exports in recent years, the fossil fuel industry is already raking in record profits at the expense of consumers and future generations, yet their allies in Congress are putting forward legislation to lock us into ever-increasing gas extraction, higher and more volatile energy prices, and devastating environmental, health, safety, and climate impacts – particularly for frontline communities.”
The consideration of this bill follows President Biden’s announcement to pause approvals for new LNG exports while the Department of Energy reassesses the criteria to determine the climate and economic impacts of these projects on the public interest. The administration’s decision has the support of hundreds of thousands of Americans, retired Army generals, economists, public health professionals, environmental groups, and numerous members of Congress.
“Rather than passing vital legislation to fund the government to avoid a catastrophic shutdown, the House Majority is instead using valuable floor time to consider giveaways to the fossil fuel industry. The Biden Administration, on the other hand, is taking swift action to ensure that LNG exports are only approved if DOE determines they are in the public interest,” the letter reads.
Groups signed onto the letter include a broad coalition leading the fight against the expansion of LNG export facilities, including environmental justice, community, and national organizations.
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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.