In response to the continued Russian attack on Ukraine, Evergreen Action Chief of Staff Lena Moffitt released the following statement:

“We stand with the people of Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked invasion and condemn this horrifying act of war. President Biden was correct to level strong sanctions against Vladimir Putin for this unacceptable assault on democracy.

“Unfortunately, Big Oil corporations have attempted to capitalize on this tragedy to advance their agenda of increased fossil fuel extraction. Expanding oil and gas production now would do nothing to impact short term prices and would only accelerate the climate crisis, which already poses a major threat to our national security. Instead of doubling down on our fossil fuel dependence, America should make massive investments in clean energy deployment, which would not only address the climate crisis but would weaken the power of petrostates like Russia. Global dependence on Russian-sourced fossil fuels has enabled Putin’s grip on power and has funded his emboldened aggression on the world stage. Clean energy is affordable and reliable; we can’t afford to wait any longer to free ourselves from the volatility of the fossil fuel market and the dictators and violence it enables. 

“As President Biden continues to take strong actions against Russia’s aggression, he should also advance clean energy policies that will weaken Putin’s global power. Rather than slowing or deterring American leadership in addressing the climate crisis, we hope the obvious interconnections of fossil fuel dependence and petro dictators will hasten both executive action and passage of significant climate investments through Congress. President Biden can make investments that will enhance American leadership in global energy policy and address multiple crises simultaneously.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and stand opposed to actions by leaders of the fossil fuel industry that attempt to profit off of these harrowing atrocities.”

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