BREAKING: Prompted by young people, Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) opposes McConnell-backed Dirty Energy Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2017
CONTACT: Stephen O’Hanlon, Sunrise, [email protected], 610–955–7398
Prompted by young people, Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) pledges to oppose McConnell-backed Dirty Energy Bill
NEW YORK CITY — Earlier this evening, after being confronted by members of Sunrise during a private fundraiser in New York City, Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) appeared to come out against the Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017 (S 1460), which environmental groups have termed the “Dirty Energy Bill”. [Video here]
The bill, which is backed by Senator Mitch McConnell and currently has support from members of both parties, would give millions of taxpayer dollars to help oil and gas companies search for more reserves and help them circumvent safety regulations. McConnell, reportedly looking for a victory following his multiple failed attempts to repeal Obamacare, has fast-tracked the bill to move it to a vote quickly. Until tonight, Bernie Sanders was the only Senator to come out against the bill, despite calls from over 350 environmental groups for Senators to oppose it.
“Instead of giving handouts to oil and gas CEOs and lobbyists, we need to be putting Americans to work transforming our energy infrastructure and stopping climate change,” said Daniela Lapidous, the Sunrise member who asked Gillibrand to make this commitment. “I’m proud that Senator Gillibrand is standing up to Trump and fossil fuel lobbyists in DC to protect our home, health, and future.”
“In New York, we are feeling the effects of climate change right now,” said Sara Blazevic, a Sunrise Brooklyn member. “Many neighborhoods are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and just today, severe flash flooding prevented Sen. Gillibrand from actually arriving at the event, so she had to Skype in. You can’t claim to be a climate leader in 2017 and support bills that will lead to fossil fuel expansion.”
Throughout the Congressional Recess this August, Sunrise volunteers around the country will be at town halls and fundraisers to #ShineALight on the corruption and negligence of elected officials and call on them to take bold stands against Trump and McConnell’s attacks on our environment and health.
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Sunrise is building an army of young people to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs transforming our energy system. We unite to make climate change an urgent political issues, expose the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our democracy, and elect leaders who will stand up for the health and well-being of all of us. For more information, visit sunrisemovement.org.
