House Republicans Pass Series of Dirty Energy Bills

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, Republicans in the House of Representatives passed three energy bills that will drastically increase pollution, harm public health, and lead to higher energy prices. The bills - H.R. 1047, H.R. 3015, and H.R. 3062 - would clear the way for more dirty fossil fuel infrastructure and development and stymy investment in clean, affordable energy.

Sierra Club joined more than 30 groups in signing a letter to Members of Congressopposing the bills. The letter laid out the reason for opposition to each piece of legislation:

• H.R. 1047, the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable Power Act (GRID Power Act), would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue a rule to allow fossil fuel-fired power plants to cut to the front of the line for connecting to regional grids ahead of cleaner more reliable energy sources, like wind and solar, that can be deployed more quickly.
• H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act, would permanently reauthorize an advisory council rather than require re-approval every two years. The advisory committee provides recommendations to the Department of Energy in favor of one of the most polluting fuels available and would be another step toward prompting expedited coal production that would harm public health and the climate.
• H.R. 3062, the Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act, would require FERC to approve oil and gas pipelines to Canada or Mexico within 30 days, significantly limiting the necessary safety and environmental review processes and denying affected communities sufficient input opportunities.

In reaction, Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy Director Mahyar Sorour released the following statement:

"Another week, another Republican effort to give handouts to fossil fuel CEOs at the expense of the American people. House Republicans have continued the claim they want abundant, affordable, American-sourced energy while doing everything in their power to block clean energy progress and prop up dirty, expensive energy sources of the past. These bills, if passed, would lead to dirtier air and water, more frequent and more dangerous climate disasters, more pollution-related illnesses and premature deaths, and a less reliable grid. Energy prices continue to skyrocket as Trump blocks clean energy investment, and these bills will only ensure that rates continue to climb."

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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 https://www.sierraclub.org.