Congress’ Big Oil Week proves Republicans continue to prioritize Big Oil over working people, even as midterms loom

Washington D.C.– This week, congressional Republicans pushed for even more handouts to fossil fuel companies, including the House narrowly passing two Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions, H.J. Res. 210 and H.J. Res. 213, both of which seek to remove maritime ship air pollution limits that lower fuel oil use and ensure Big Oil profits remain sky-high. Before skipping town, Senate Republican leadership may bring up S.J. Res 208 and S.J. Res 207, both of which would drive up families’ costs at the pump by blocking longstanding air pollution and efficiency standards for cars. In response to this week’s Hill activity, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Policy and former EPA Scientist Matthew Davis:

“In the last week before they head out for an extended recess, House Republican leadership decided to use their limited time to push for more handouts to Big Polluters, instead of passing legislation that will make life better and less expensive for everyday people. Across the country, people on both sides of the aisle are fed up with high prices fueled by Trump’s war in Iran, and they understand that the corrupt oil and gas industry is taking advantage of this crisis to drive prices to record levels, at all of our expense. Over 70% of respondents in recent polling support a windfall profits tax to return money to families and crack down on Big Oil’s war profiteering.

“This week, congressional Republicans proved that, even with midterms on the line, they are willing to sacrifice the health and financial well-being of their constituents to benefit Big Polluters. Sadly, it appears the public has come to expect this: by a 30 point margin they think the Republican party cares more about oil and gas CEOs than working families, and separate polling showed Americans view Oil and Gas as the ‘most corrupt’ industry in the country. Instead of padding oil and gas CEOs’ pockets, Congress should focus on deploying immediate relief, clean energy, and grid improvements to make electricity more affordable for families, and hold billionaire utility, oil and gas, and tech companies accountable.”

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