Washington, DC – Today, Trump is expected to sign an executive order directing agencies to waive environmental review on new fossil fuel projects like pipelines, according to administration officials. The executive order intends to weaken legislation like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act due to an economic emergency. 350.org North America director Tamara Toles O’Laughlin gave the following statement in response:
“Trump is again exploiting this moment for his own gain. As he continues to make grift his legacy in the office of the President, he plans to dole out another giveaway for Big Oil. This executive order would reinforce the link between white supremacy and the dirty profits of the most polluting industry in the world. The National Environmental Policy Act is an essential line of defense for communities made vulnerable and anyone who cares about justice should pay attention to this administration’s disregard for the health and safety of human beings. The White House has turned its back on Black lives, on Indigenous sovereignty, and on our climate. Fast-tracking projects like the Keystone XL pipeline will drive us further away from the just and equitable transition to the renewable energy economy we need. We won’t stand for future rollbacks of protections that are critical to preventing the worst impacts of climate change without a fight.”
###
Contact: Thanu Yakupitiyage, [email protected], 413-687-5160