Gabby Brown, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Republicans are reportedly planning to demand massive cuts to investments in environmental justice, climate, and other critical programs as part of negotiations on key legislation that would raise the debt ceiling and avert a financial crisis. Last month, Republicans passed HR1, or the “Polluters Over People Act,” along party lines in the House. The bill would have undermined critical environmental protections in service of speeding up approval for proposed fossil fuel projects, and has minimal chances of becoming law on its own. Now, Republicans are seeking to force it through by tacking elements of the bill onto must-pass legislation.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans’ plan to hold our economy hostage for the benefit of their corporate polluter friends is as reckless as it is shameful. Their proposal would raise energy prices for families across the country, increase the federal deficit, and put public health and climate at risk by promoting polluting fossil fuel projects. As if that weren’t bad enough on its own, now they’re threatening to throw our nation into a financial crisis if they don’t get everything on their fossil fuel industry wishlist. If Kevin McCarthy were serious with his claims to care about American families and the economy, he’d act in good faith by putting forward a budget that outlines Republicans’ full agenda.”
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.