Target: Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General
Goal: Allow laws holding corporations responsible for environmental damage to proceed unimpeded.
As one its first acts of office, the Trump administration declared a national energy emergency that proclaimed the United States had an “inadequate energy supply.” Due to the declaration’s invocation of phrases like “eminent domain,” “emergency fuel waivers,” and “refining infrastructure,” the emphasis on fossil fuels to the exclusion of other energy supplies is clear. One part of the declaration even explicitly defines “energy” as “crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products…and coal.” Environmental advocates have filed a lawsuit claiming the declaration is deceptive and in bad faith, considering U.S. producers are currently sitting on more oil drilling permits than they will ever use. Recent actions have validated that the “emergency” is nothing more than additional coverage and protection for special interests at the expense of the environment and community health.
The nation’s Department of Justice (DOJ) has prioritized lawsuits against four states. What do these states have in common? Each one has strong laws that demand fossil fuel corporations – not ordinary citizens – foot the bill for environmentally degrading acts. The states intended to use funds paid by these companies to invest in green infrastructure projects that would benefit local communities.
America’s top legal department should be working to defend the American people, not the special interests that are inflicting direct harm on the people. Sign the petition below to demand the DOJ get its priorities straight.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Bondi,
In a statement, the DOJ referred to the climate superfund laws of four states as “illegitimate.” This statement was quickly followed by political buzzwords like “Unleash American Energy.” What is more illegitimate…states acting to protect their communities by enforcing their laws or a federal legal department that is weaponizing the rule of law to protect political and special interests?
Have the very same political and legal philosophies arguing against these laws not historically emphasized states’ rights over issues relating to public health, environmental regulation, and general law-making? Stop standing in the way of states that are doing their jobs and trying to hold wrong-doers accountable. This is the most fundamental responsibility that you took an oath to uphold. Don’t abandon it now.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Marine Photobank
