Rep. Huffman introduces bill to keep fossil fuels in the ground

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) today introduced the Keep It in the Ground Act along with 16 original cosponsors. The bill would prohibit the issuance of new leases or renewal of non-producing leases for coal, oil and natural gas on all federal lands and waters. Unleased fossil fuels on federal lands and waters account for 450 billion tons of potential carbon emissions.

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Marissa Knodel issued the following response:

Today Rep. Huffman intensified the fight for a safe and healthy climate future.   

Keeping unleased fossil fuels in the ground on public lands and waters is the first step towards avoiding the worst impacts of climate disruption and safeguarding our natural heritage. Congressman Huffman and the other sponsors of this bill deserve the highest praise for exhibiting bold climate leadership when we need it most.

The Keep It in the Ground Act sets the bar for what the U.S. can and should achieve in the global fight to prevent climate catastrophe and to protect our public lands and waters. It also serves notice to fossil fuel empires that climate, justice and health advocates will end their reign of destruction.

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Expert contact: Marissa Knodel, (202) 222-0729, [email protected]
Communications contact: Kate Colwell, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]