I was alarmed to learn that the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) may be accompanied by a second “side deal” that would radically weaken environmental safeguards that protect wildlife and human communities from the impacts of energy development.
I am writing to ask that you do everything possible to ensure that this second side deal bill fails.
I am specifically concerned that the application of the Endangered Species Act will be reduced or eliminated on projects on the millions of acres of land and sea that the IRA will make available to extractive industries. We are in the midst of a global extinction crisis. It is exceptionally irresponsible to put already-imperiled species at risk to access dirty fossil fuels–or even green energy–and I urge that you strike any language from the side deal that weakens this law.
The Endangered Species Act is our country's most potent and successful conservation safeguard. It has been more than 99 percent successful at preventing extinction since its creation in 1973. However, it only works when we let it.
This side deal does the opposite. Its damaging impacts would extend even further and curtail enforcement of vital and effective safeguards provided by the National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act, jeopardizing communities near and far.
Please reject this side deal in its entirety. Thanks.
First sent on September 7, 2022 by Jess Craven
