Medhini Kumar, medhini.kumar@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced next steps for oil and gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) per provisions outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including a proposed notice of sale for Lease Sale 259 in the Gulf of Mexico and the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Cook Inlet.
In response, Athan Manuel, Director of the Sierra Club's Lands Protection Program, issued the following statement:
“While the IRA represents a historic step forward in achieving our nation’s climate goals, we cannot let the bad provisions of the bill, including oil and gas leasing, undercut what we stand to gain. At a time when we need to be rapidly transitioning away from oil and gas leasing to meet our nation’s climate goals and create a livable planet for all, the last thing we need is to sell off more of our lands and waters to the fossil fuel industry.
“Gulf and Alaskan communities, who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, face disproportionate harm from the pollution and devastation wrought by offshore drilling. We cannot allow extractive industries to treat these coastal communities as sacrifice zones, and must transition away from our dependence on fossil fuels once and for all.”
Roishetta Ozane, founder of the Vessel Project and Southwest Louisiana Organizing Director for Healthy Gulf, issued the following statement:
“Leasing the Gulf to the oil and gas industry is not progress. This is a regressive, foolish, and harmful act that once again sacrifices Gulf Coast communities to polluting industry. We should be doing everything we can to protect this area, as Gulf states like Louisiana face rapid land loss from oil and gas activity and more frequent hurricanes, which are intensified by this very industry. We are the ones that have to bear the brunt of pollution and climate change disasters. The Gulf has suffered enough.
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.