Washington, D.C. — In response to Trump Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette’s suggestion that big banks no longer financing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are similar to the historically racist practice of redlining, League of Conservation Voters (LCV) President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement calling for Brouillette’s resignation:

“Out of touch doesn’t even begin to cover it. Trump Energy Secretary Brouillete should step down immediately for his offensive comments that completely dismiss the experience black communities had and have with discriminatory lending practices. The racist practice of redlining contributed to inequities, including environmental racism, that continue to plague the health and well being of communities of color today. Our Department of Energy should be focused on ensuring all people can live in clean, safe, and healthy communities right now, not using ignorant language to bail out Big Oil.”

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