Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- During a visit to California today to discuss wildfire, Interior Sec. Zinke not only ignored climate change’s role in worsening wildfire, but actively denied it-- doubling down on calls to open more public forest land to extractive industries. In an interview with Breitbart Radio, Zinke blamed environmental groups for the worsening fire season, claiming that climate change is not making conditions worse, but rather, that America is being “held hostage by these environmental terrorists groups.”
In response, Sierra Club Lands Program Director Athan Manuel released the following statement:
“Zinke’s inability to understand basic fire science is leading him to turn to dangerous and inflammatory quips. Name calling and finger pointing won’t change the truth that climate change is exacerbating wildfires. The long-term safety of our communities relies on reducing carbon pollution. The only danger here is from Zinke’s failure to act.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, 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.