FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2022

Contact:
Collin Rees, collin@priceofoil.org

Three Strikes and You’re Out: Manchin’s Dirty Deal goes down in flames a third time

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the U.S. Senate voted to oppose Sen. Joe Manhchin’s so-called ‘permitting reform’ legislation — better known as the ‘Dirty Deal’ — blocking it from being added as an amendment to the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. This marks the third time the bill has been defeated in Congress since Manchin’s first attempt in September. 

The proposed bill would have fast-tracked fossil fuel projects, including the fracked-gas Mountain Valley Pipeline, while shortening and limiting review processes for energy projects under the National Environmental Policy Act and other bedrock environmental laws. All versions have been strongly opposed by environmental justice communities, climate and racial justice advocates, and progressive organizations. 

In response, Collin Rees, United States Program Manager at Oil Change International, released the following statement: 

“Good riddance to Manchin’s Dirty Deal — the Senate’s rejection of this dangerous bill is a resounding victory for environmental justice communities and the climate. We’ve stopped this zombie bill three times and we’ll do it as many times as needed.

“Frontline communities never wavered in their opposition to a proposal which would have fast-tracked fossil fuel projects and been a massive step backward for the climate. In 2022, Manchin’s all-of-the-above energy strategy is nothing short of climate denial.

“President Biden’s strong support of this deadly legislation is a deep stain on his climate legacy. We’ll keep standing with communities on the frontlines to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline once and for all, oppose fossil fuel expansion and sacrifice zones, and build a just renewable energy future.”

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