Coal industry using coronavirus to push for bailout

WASHINGTON – The National Mining Association, the lobbying arm of the coal industry, is reportedly seeking a wide-ranging federal bailout in the context of coronavirus aid. Based on a recently released letter the wish-list includes tax breaks, royalty relief, and the use of emergency powers to keep coal plants online.

Lukas Ross, senior policy analyst for Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement in response:

The coal industry doesn’t deserve a bailout. The fact that this request comes during a national emergency is truly obscene. The fossil fuel industry must not be allowed to exploit this crisis at the expense of communities, the climate and taxpayers. We need immediate aid for people, not polluters.

Expert contact: Lukas Ross, (202) 222-0724, [email protected]
Communications contact: Erin Jensen, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]