Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E., (R-WV) issued the following statement regarding President Biden’s climate Executive Actions:

“At a time when millions are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing we need are policies that will eliminate of thousands of good-paying American jobs, increase energy costs, and putting our economic and national security at risk.

“Stopping energy production on federal lands will have virtually no impact on our climate, and merely makes us more reliant on foreign energy sources. Did they consider the impact on states and communities who rely on this crucial revenue to fund schools, EMS services, and other essential local programs?

“These actions are just part of their broader effort to do away with fossil fuels no matter the consequences to our economy and our security. The people who live in communities across the country, from the coalfields of West Virginia to the oil patch of New Mexico, are just collateral damage. No window dressing of a working group to help these areas in the transition can change that.

“Instead of further destroying rural America and putting our economy at risk, we need to focus on policies that utilize innovation to reduce emissions while allowing us to use our rich supply of American energy.”

Background:

President Biden signed several Executive Orders today aimed at climate change. These actions will follow up on several climate-related executive orders he signed in his first few days in office, including rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate, and revoking the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

Highlights from the Executive Order:

• Directs the Secretary of the Interior to pause on entering into new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or offshore waters. Also launches a review of all existing leasing and permitting practices related to fossil fuel development on public lands and waters.

• The order directs federal agencies to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies.

• Establishes an Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization, to be co-chaired by the National Climate Advisor and the Director of the National Economic Council, and directs federal agencies to coordinate efforts to assist coal, oil and natural gas, and power plant communities.

To read more on President Biden’s Executive Orders from today, click here.

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