Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
In Dubai: Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
***Sierra Club Staff are on the ground in Dubai.***
***Contact Jonathon Berman for interviews or specific comments on COP28 proceedings***
Dubai, UAE - Today, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) will focus on energy, industry and a just transition. The Biden administration set the scene for these proceedings this weekend when the US Environmental Protection Agency announced its final rule to reduce methane emissions and other harmful pollution from the oil and gas industry. While this announcement is a major win for climate and public health, Sierra Club urges President Biden to take additional steps to phase out the extraction, combustion, and export of methane gas and other fossil fuels, in line with many European allies.
In particular, the US Department of Energy should reject permits for additional exports of methane gas, known as LNG, on the grounds that it is not in the public interest. LNG exports increase domestic energy prices, pollute local communities, and would make it impossible to meet global climate goals. Additionally, independent federal decision makers, like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, should also take steps to deny new or expanded gas export facilities.
In response to the day’s theme at COP28, Sierra Club Managing Director Eva Hernandez released the following statement:
“Clever misinformation, funded by large ad budgets, has allowed the Big Gas industry to slide under the radar of targeted climate actions for too long. Cutting methane emissions from oil and gas operations is cause for celebration, but the work does not stop there. The data is clear: we can not frack our way out of climate disaster. Expanded gas extraction and export will make it impossible to meet global climate goals. The Biden administration and independent US federal energy regulators must take the critical step to reject new and expanded gas exports, and fast track renewable energy development in order to avert the worst of the climate crisis.”
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.