FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2011
Contact: Maggie Kao, 202-675-2384
U.S. House Shills for Polluters, Endangering Americans’ Health
Upton Bill Passes 255-172
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 910, the “Energy Tax Prevention Act.” The bill was introduced by Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce committee.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune made the following statement:
“Though we are appalled by the House passage of H.R. 910 today, we’re unfortunately not at all surprised.
“Today, at the expense of millions of Americans who suffer from asthma, respiratory illness and other pollution-related disease, big polluters and their friends in the House took another step in achieving their goals for higher profits, dirtier air and water and more jobs shipped overseas.
“Since day one of the 112th Congress, House Republican leadership like Fred Upton have been tasked by their polluter campaign contributors with gutting essential health protections like the Clean Air Act and abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to protect us from life-threatening pollution.
“We’re deeply disappointed that 19 Democrats sided with Republican leadership, voting against the interest of their constituents and for the corporate polluter agenda.
“We urge the Senate to stand its ground for our health, our economy and our environment by rejecting this damaging and dangerous legislation.”
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