CONTACT: Brett Abrams | [email protected]
“After four attempts by big oil and gas to pass a dirty deal, which would have slashed community rights and due process along with environmental safeguards that protect us all, we have defeated outgoing Senator Manchin’s energy permitting reform! This would not have been possible without the sustained action and engagement of frontline communities in every zip code, state, Tribal community and US territory.
“This bill, led by Senator Joe Manchin, who took more in fossil fuel dollars than any other politician, was also supported by many in favor of renewable energy expansion at the cost of sacrificing communities’ health and well-being. If passed, it would have gutted the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and made it easier for big oil and gas to build new projects that we already know accelerate climate chaos and speed up public health and economic devastation within communities.
“As we use this win to fuel our momentum together, we must also brace for upcoming threats that will likely include permitting reform and attacks on NEPA in the new year. We urge legislators to continue to stand strong alongside overpolluted communities who are often hit first and worst by the climate crisis. Now more than ever, we need elected representatives to protect and strengthen communities’ rights to due process and recourse in the face of polluting industries. We all have a right to healthy families and clean air, water, and land, no matter what zip code we live in.”
Here’s what CJA member Jordan Harmon, Policy Analyst/Legislative Advocate, Indigenous Environmental Network had to say:
“Once again, Sen. Manchin’s dirty deal with Republican congressional leaders has failed to survive past negotiations, resulting in a victory for climate justice. Attempting to manipulate the congressional process by pushing for environmental rollbacks in must-pass omnibus appropriation bills is nasty work, and IEN is grateful for the Democratic legislators who have stood against the shady attempts to dismantle critical NEPA protections. Indigenous communities deserve environmental policy that includes free, prior, and informed consent and honors the sovereign authority to say “no” to projects that impact Indigenous lands, resources, and the health of Indigenous Peoples and ecosystems. Sen. Manchin’s plan to cater to fossil fuels and false solutions by circumventing community input and fast-tracking permitting does not work for Indigenous Nations and communities. We expect more attacks on NEPA in the future, and will continue to work together through the incoming administration as the frontline protectors of Mother Earth.”
###
