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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jonathon Berman, (202) 495-3033, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org

Congressional Republicans Usher Through Dangerous and Destructive Energy Bill

Legislation Threatens Public Lands, Props Up Fossil Fuels, and Erodes Bedrock Environmental Laws

WASHINGTON

Following last night's passage of the energy bill, which fell on largely party lines, leadership from both Parties in the House announced its designees to conference the Senate and House energy packages.

The House legislation includes widely condemned provisions that threaten bedrock environmental and public health laws like the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Wilderness Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Equal Access to Justice Act. Additionally, the bill fails to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a key provision in the Senate's bipartisan compromise.

In response, Sierra Club's Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:

"The American people have waited over a decade for Congress to pass a comprehensive Energy Bill, and thanks to House Republicans' circus, we'll have to wait even longer.

"Make no mistake, we need a 21st century energy bill to tackle the 21st century energy problems we're facing today. But House Republicans have made it clear that they are not interested in engaging in serious policy debates and would rather continue empowering corporate polluters than investing in clean, renewable energy and jobs that allow us to protect our air and our water.

"It is time that House Republicans took their legislating responsibilities more seriously."

The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our 3.8 million members and supporters to defend everyone's right to a healthy world.

(415) 977-5500