Trump using health crisis for SPR purchases

WASHINGTON D.C. — This afternoon, during a speech declaring a state of national emergency, President Trump announced new authority to purchase oil into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, promising to fill it “right up to the top.” This is a move to support oil industry profitability in a low-price environment.

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

This action speaks volumes about Trump’s priorities at a moment of national crisis. At a time when millions of Americans could be thrown into economic disaster, Trump is taking decisive action to protect polluter profits. The GOP in Congress should be forewarned that they will be held accountable if they let this shameless behavior continue. We need an aid package that protects workers and communities, not corporations and the rich.

Contact: Erin Jensen, (202) 222-0722, [email protected]