Christine Ho, christine.ho@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. - In an interview with Politico, Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright tried to blame rising energy costs on Democratic policies, rather than the slew of attacks his department and the Trump administration has launched on renewable energy—the cheapest form of energy.
The Trump administration has attempted to obstruct the growth and development of renewable energy since day one of Donald Trump’s presidency. The administration has killed billions of dollars of investments in clean energy, ended all federal support of wind energy projects, rescinded all designated wind areas on the outer continental shelf, pulled funding from the Solar For All program, and most recently, blocked access to tax credits for renewable energy projects.
Despite the administration’s attempt to give fossil fuel companies more tax breaks and government funding, renewable energy remains the cheapest form of energy. A report recently released by Grid Strategies on behalf of the Sierra Club shows that the Trump administration’s plan to bolster coal could cost American customers up to $6 billion a year. In May, Chris Wright ordered the aging and deadly J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan to operate past its retirement date, which has already cost an additional $29 million in five weeks.
In response, Sierra Club Climate Policy Director Patrick Drupp issued the following statement:
“Republican policies that prioritize expensive fossil fuels are one hundred percent to blame for rising energy costs that families are seeing. No matter how many handouts this administration gives to the fossil fuel industry, renewable energy will always be more affordable, quicker to get online, and more reliable for consumers.
“Chris Wright knows that this administration’s terrible energy policies are causing Americans to feel the squeeze on their wallets, and he’s trying to do damage control by blaming others. We will not let him do that. This administration must take all responsibility for betraying our communities and putting fossil fuel profits before people.”
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.