Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced Governor Doug Burgum, nominee for Secretary of the Interior, and Chris Wright, nominee for Secretary of Energy, to the full Senate for a vote. Additionally, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced Lee Zeldin, nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to the full Senate. In response, Evergreen Action Executive Director Lena Moffitt released the following statement:
“The Trump administration and its Republican allies on the Hill have once again made it clear they care more about padding the profits of oil and gas corporations than delivering economic relief to American families. Chris Wright, Governor Doug Burgum, and former Congressman Lee Zeldin are Big Oil loyalists hell-bent on dragging us back to an economy dominated by expensive, volatile fossil fuels—ignoring the fact that clean energy is already lowering household energy costs nationwide. Despite what they claim, their agenda will limit choices for consumers and hike energy prices. At a time when Americans are demanding more affordability, Republicans are doubling down on a system rigged in favor of fossil fuel profits while their constituents pay the price.
“We are deeply disappointed in the group of Democrats who failed to stand up against these nominees. By rubber-stamping their nominations, they have lent unearned credibility to Trump’s fossil fuel first agenda and efforts to claw back our hard won progress on climate and clean energy. Governor Burgum’s record suggests he would turn Interior into a tool for corporate polluters to exploit public resources. Wright raised serious concerns about his fitness to serve the American people by dismissing wildfires as ‘just hype’ and ignoring their link to climate change. And Zeldin has promised to dismantle the EPA’s very ability to deliver on its mission of protecting clean air and water. President Trump made it clear on day one of his presidency that he is really here to serve the corporate CEOs who helped secure his return to power. Senate Democrats must stand united during the full floor vote to reject nominees beholden to Big Oil and make it clear who they are here to serve—the American people.”
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