Christopher Schuler, christopher.schuler@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC – Today, more than three weeks after the position was vacated, Republicans in the House of Representatives elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the 56th Speaker of the House.
Since he first launched his House campaign in 2015, Johnson has received more money tied to the oil and gas industry than any other industry. At the same time, Johnson has a long track record of downplaying and being dismissive of the climate crisis. In 2017, Johnson remarked, “The climate is changing, but the question is, is it being caused by natural cycles over the span of the Earth’s history? Or is it changing because we drive SUVs? I don’t believe in the latter. I don’t think that’s the primary driver.”
Additionally, Johnson has worked repeatedly to undermine the Endangered Species Act and weaken protections for those species covered by it.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“While their inability to elect a Speaker these past 22 days may surprise some, House Republicans electing a champion of the fossil fuel industry who rejects climate science and led efforts to undermine our democracy in working to overturn the 2020 election should surprise no one. It should concern us all that someone with such extreme views and so beholden to the fossil fuel industry has such power and influence during a time when bold action is more critical than ever.”
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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.