FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
Contact: Claire Hermann, chermann@earthworksaction.org, (202) 601-3043
Statement from Lauren Pagel, Policy Director
“Today, the House of Representatives chose corporate interests over people, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and our environment. Members passed two bills that will allow mining, oil and gas companies to irrevocably harm communities, natural resources and cultural sites.
“The SPEED Act, HR 4776, removes important parts of the National Environmental Policy Act, one of the United States’ bedrock environmental laws that protect lands, air, water, public health, and ecosystems. It will make it harder for communities and Tribes to be part of permitting decisions that influence their lives and lands.
“The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, HR 1366, will remove already-scarce protections for natural resources and sacred cultural sites in US mining law.
“Today’s House votes are a step backwards for our nation, but we continue to stand firm for the rights of the people and places on the frontlines of oil, gas and mining. Communities and ecosystems shouldn’t pay the price while corporations rush to profit off extraction — with a helping hand from our elected officials.”
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Additional Resources
The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act would devastate public lands, natural resources, and sacred sites
Communities on the Frontlines of Fossil Fuel and Mining Oppose “SPEED Act”