Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierrclub.org
Washington, DC – Today, President Biden announced efforts to address spiking gas prices and supply chain shortages that have spiked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In response, Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz released the following statement:
“Vladimir Putin’s heinous invasion of Ukraine has laid bare the danger of America’s dependence on foreign countries to power our country. As Congress continues to stall on advancing legislation that would be the largest investment ever in independently powering the country through clean, affordable renewable energy and generating millions of jobs here at home, it’s imperative that every avenue is explored to expedite the clean energy transition.
“The Sierra Club appreciates President Biden taking steps to invest in clean energy and help further lead the world in the transition. However, it’s essential that this be done properly. We must ensure that labor and environmental standards are not sidestepped, nor are the crucial consultations with Tribal nations and communities who would be directly affected.
"The current spike in gas prices and supply chain shortages are reminders that the only way to truly achieve energy security is to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels and invest at the size and scale necessary to power the country through clean, renewable energy. As President Biden is taking steps to ease everyday Americans' energy burden in the short term, Congress must move swiftly to meet the moment.
“It’s past time for Congress to pass the reconciliation bill, which contains clean energy and climate investments that will be game-changers for US manufacturing and building a secure clean energy economy, and to reinstate the crude oil export ban to ensure that oil companies don't keep raising prices and selling to the highest bidder, reaping record profits while the American people pay the price. Congress must also pass Rep. Grijalva and Senator Heinrich’s hardrock mining reform bills, which would amend the Mining Law of 1872 and replace it with a modern leasing system designed to protect the interests of American taxpayers, Indigenous people and Tribes, and our public lands.”
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.