Sierra Membership Assertion on Arctic Refuge CRA Vote

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the moment, Senate Republicans superior a decision that may impede protections for thousands and thousands of acres of public lands in Alaska, regardless of bipartisan opposition.

In a 49-45 vote Thursday morning, Senate Republicans utilized the Congressional Assessment Act to revoke a land administration plan for the Arctic Refuge. “Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) broke along with her social gathering and joined 44 Democrats to oppose the decision. It now heads to the White Home, the place Donald Trump is predicted to signal it.

The decision would disapprove a 2024 Report of Determination for the Arctic Refuge oil and fuel leasing program. The vote threatens the integrity of thousands and thousands of acres of nationwide public lands within the Arctic, which covers vital habitat for caribou, migratory birds, and polar bears, amongst different imperiled species.

This yr, Congressional Republicans have used an unprecedented interpretation of the CRA to vote to overturn useful resource administration plans. The Clinton-era legislation permits revoking administrative guidelines issued by government companies, nevertheless it has by no means been used to overturn a useful resource administration plan. Final month, Senate Republicans additionally disapproved protections for the Western Arctic through a CRA decision, which can also be awaiting Trump’s signature.

In response, Athan Manuel, Director of Sierra Membership’s Lands Safety Program, launched the next assertion:

“Senate Republicans wish to give Massive Oil CEOs an early Christmas current — free rein over our public lands. The Arctic Refuge is without doubt one of the final really wild locations in our nation. The Gwich’in folks depend on it, and wildlife just like the Porcupine caribou herd name it residence, however Donald Trump and his allies in Congress solely see an asset on a ledger. Make no mistake, by taking this vote, Congressional Republicans are placing companies over the American folks, and our public lands can pay the value of padding company polluters’ backside traces.”

Concerning the Sierra Membership: The Sierra Membership is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental group, with thousands and thousands of members and supporters. Along with defending each individual’s proper to get outdoor and entry the therapeutic energy of nature, the Sierra Membership works to advertise clear vitality, safeguard the well being of our communities, defend wildlife, and protect our remaining wild locations by means of grassroots activism, public training, lobbying, and authorized motion. For extra info, go to www.sierraclub.org.