Washington, D.C. – As of President Biden speaks at the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from President Gene Karpinski:

“Thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress, we’re thrilled that a U.S. president is finally able to join the global climate summit with a popular and historic climate law on the books and the support of the majority of the country behind him.

“The IRA is a critical part of the United States meeting our international climate goals and we’re encouraged by President Biden and his administration’s important new steps this week to combat the climate crisis and protect public health: a stronger proposed methane rule, updated Methane Action Plan, and a new proposed federal contractor emissions reduction rule.

“Critically, the new proposed supplemental rule to cut methane and other harmful pollutants from the oil and gas industry and the updated Methane Action Plan reflect calls from community members, especially those living on the frontlines of oil and gas operations, to strengthen the EPA’s previous proposal. We especially appreciate the additional proposed provisions that would require monitoring at all well sites, address abandoned and improperly closed wells, and target super emitters. We urge the EPA to swiftly finalize the strongest possible safeguards to help tackle the climate crisis and move us closer to ensuring that every family, no matter their zip code, race, or income, can breathe clean air.

“The new proposed rule requiring major federal contractors to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and disclose climate-related financial risks marks another important climate commitment. This rule is a powerful opportunity to use the federal government’s purchasing power to drive decarbonization while safeguarding taxpayer dollars and promoting climate-resilient federal supply chains.”

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