Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Starting today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing for William Barr’s nomination as Attorney General. Barr’s troubling record on the environment includes serving on the board of directors for Dominion Energy since 2009 and an expansive view of Presidential prerogatives, that could threaten both the transparency of the Executive Branch and the consistent enforcement of federal laws protecting the public. This is particularly concerning given the Trump administration’s affinity for favoring corporate polluters and the extent to which former fossil fuel executives and lobbyists hold positions of authority within the administration. Barr also has a problematic record on immigration, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and women’s rights. If confirmed, Barr will take over oversight of the Russia investigation, which he criticized in a 20-page memo to the Justice Department last year.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"William Barr has proven he won’t be a check on Donald Trump or his administration when it comes to our clean air and water and public lands, or when it concerns the Mueller investigation. This is crucial with Trump having repeatedly proven where his allegiances reside. Trump favors corporate polluters, not the American people and supports protections for fossil fuel companies, not our public lands, all while consistently interfering in the investigation to his 2016 campaign. The American people require more from their chief lawyer. The Sierra Club urges the Senate Judiciary Committee and all Senators to vote no on William Barr’s nomination.”
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.