State of the Union: President Obamas trade deal would undercut income inequality reductions, while doubling down on climate inaction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During his 2015 State of the Union Address, President Obama set forth a broad spectrum of initiatives on issues ranging from economics and education to competitiveness and the environment. Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica issued the following statement:

With two years left, the President attempted to set an aggressive environmental and economic tone for the American people and Congress. Unfortunately, the rhetorical flare of the President is undermined by his own call for Congress to fast track his trade negotiations in the Pacific. As currently negotiated, the Trans Pacific Partnership would undermine President Obama’s commitments to empower the middle class, regulate greenhouse emissions, and make the financial and banking industries pay for their past sins.

Additionally, while the President is rightfully calling on Americans to “forcefully” address global warming, by using the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, his claim of climate change leadership is weakened by his administration’s continued  pursuit of fracking and fossil fuel exploration and export.

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Contact: EA Dyson, (202) 222-0730, [email protected]