FOE calls on Congress to pass Keep It in the Ground Act

WASHINGTON- Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-2) reintroduced the Keep It in the Ground Act today, which would end new fossil fuel leasing on federal lands and waters. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels on public lands and waters account for nearly a quarter of U.S. climate emissions.

Nicole Ghio, Senior Fossil Fuels Program Manager for Friends of the Earth, issued the following response:

Science tells us we cannot fight climate change while continuing to drill and mine for fossil fuels on our public lands and waters. This important legislation recognizes not just the science, but the millions of people, frontline, and Indigenous communities that have called for an end to destructive fossil fuel extraction. It is time for Congress to finally stop the pillaging of our public lands by fossil fuel companies. We applaud Senator Merkley and Representative Huffman for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this vital legislation.

Expert contact: Nicole Ghio, [email protected]
Communications contact:  Aisha Dukule, [email protected]  (202) 893-3502