Media Statements

Statement: Rather than a gas tax holiday, US should address oil dependence at its roots

Clean energy

Statement: Rather than a gas tax holiday, US should address oil dependence at its roots

WASHINGTON -- In an effort to alleviate the burden of high gas prices for American consumers, President Joe Biden on Wednesday called for a three-month suspension of the federal gas tax. The federal gas tax, at 18.4 cents per gallon, has not been raised since 1993. The average price of gas in the United States was $4.98 per gallon at the beginning of this week, compared to $3.07 per gallon a year ago this time. Suspending the gas tax will require action by Congress. The president also urged states to suspend their gas taxes or provide other relief to consumers.

Media Statements ●  June 22, 2022

Statement: EPA advises stronger limits on levels of toxic PFAS chemicals to protect Americans’ health

Toxic threats

Statement: EPA advises stronger limits on levels of toxic PFAS chemicals to protect Americans’ health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled on Wednesday new health advisories for four of the most common toxic PFAS chemicals that pollute drinking water nationwide. These official EPA actions “provide technical information to drinking water system operators, as well as federal, state, Tribal, and local officials, on the health effects, analytical methods, and treatment technologies associated with drinking water contaminants.” In addition, the EPA announced the first round of funding to help clean up these so-called “forever chemicals” in public water systems. However, the EPA does not have the authority to enforce any PFAS standard associated with the health advisory.

Media Statements ●  June 15, 2022

Statement: Rhode Island one step closer to 100% renewable energy commitment

Clean energy

Statement: Rhode Island one step closer to 100% renewable energy commitment

The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday that requires electric suppliers to procure 100% renewable electricity by 2033. 

Media Statements ●  June 14, 2022

Statement: US House votes to protect America’s wildlife

Wildlife & wild places

Statement: US House votes to protect America’s wildlife

The U.S. House passed a bipartisan bill on Tuesday that would provide funding to all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia to protect more than 12,000 at-risk fish and wildlife species.

Media Statements ●  June 14, 2022

Statement: White House invokes Defense Production Act for clean energy

Clean energy

Statement: White House invokes Defense Production Act for clean energy

President Joe Biden authorized use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) on Monday to speed up the domestic production of key clean energy technologies for use in buildings.

Media Statements ●  June 6, 2022

Statement: Last oil company pulls out of the Arctic Refuge

Wildlife & wild places

Statement: Last oil company pulls out of the Arctic Refuge

The only oil company to be awarded Arctic Refuge oil leases during the January 2021 lease sale held in the final days of the Trump administration has canceled its lease, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The news of the lease cancellation by 88 Energy comes just days after the news broke that Chevron and Hilcorp terminated their leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in October 2021.

Media Statements ●  June 2, 2022

Statement: Chevron, Hilcorp reportedly spend $10 million to get out of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge leases

Wildlife & wild places

Statement: Chevron, Hilcorp reportedly spend $10 million to get out of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge leases

Chevron and Hilcorp have paid $10 million to terminate their leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, according to the Anchorage Daily News, citing page 21 of the 2021 Arctic Slope annual report. A Chevron spokesperson confirmed “Chevron’s decision to formally relinquish its legacy lease position” to the Alaskan newspaper, while Hilcorp did not comment to the outlet.

Media Statements ●  May 28, 2022

Statement: Interior Department proposes first offshore California wind lease sales

Wind power

Statement: Interior Department proposes first offshore California wind lease sales

The Department of the Interior has announced the first proposed lease sales for wind power off the shore of California and the United States’ West Coast. 

Media Statements ●  May 27, 2022

Statement: The Home Depot shareholders take first step to protect forests

Forests

Statement: The Home Depot shareholders take first step to protect forests

Sixty-five percent of The Home Depot shareholders voted on Thursday to take a first step toward reducing the hardware giant's forest footprint. The proposal that passed directs the company to produce a report disclosing the company’s current impact on primary forests. The proposal also asks The Home Depot to determine steps it can take to eliminate both deforestation and degradation of primary forests from its supply chains. This action comes a month after The Home Depot’s chief rival, Lowe’s, voluntarily committed to undertaking similar measures. 

Media Statements ●  May 19, 2022

Statement: Kroger commits to comprehensive climate action plan

Global warming solutions

Statement: Kroger commits to comprehensive climate action plan

In response to a shareholder proposal filed by Green Century Capital Management°, Environment America and PIRG’s affiliated socially responsible mutual fund company, the grocery retailer Kroger* has committed to setting science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its full value chain, including its operations and its supply chains.

Media Statements ●  May 18, 2022

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