Washington DC (Sept. 21, 2022)–In response to the released text of Senators Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer’s Dirty Deal to fast-track coal, oil, and gas projects, Greenpeace USA co-Executive Director Ebony Twilley Martin said: “Joe Manchin is not thinking of the very people that help get him elected. This is not permitting reform. This is permitting a giveaway that benefits those who continue to line their pockets at the expense of those affected by climate disasters. Our country cannot afford any new oil, gas, or coal projects if we’re going to avoid climate catastrophe. Senators Manchin and Schumer’s Dirty Deal is sending a clear message that Big Oil is willing to sacrifice entire communities, especially Black and Brown communities, in the pursuit of profits. This is a continuation of systemic oppression. In his press conference yesterday and on the Senate floor, Manchin never once mentioned the pollution that would be created by these projects or addressed the damage that could be caused to our water, air, and land. He didn’t mention how deals like these are contributing to why Puerto Rico is reeling yet again from hurricane disasters or why more than 300 heat records were broken this summer.
“The destruction we are seeing globally is a reminder of the impact that drilling for oil and gas has on our people. Big Oil continues to increase its profits while our communities carry the brunt of pollution and devastation. This side deal proposed by Senators Manchin and Schumer makes us the sacrifice zone. Again.”
