Van Hollen Statement on Moratorium on New Coal Leases

Statement

Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Co-Chair of the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change and member of the Safe Climate Caucus and the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, released the following statement after the Interior Department announced it will stop issuing new coal leases on federal lands while it reviews the program to ensure it provides a fair return to taxpayers and reflect its impacts on the environment:

"For decades, coal companies have followed outdated rules and regulations to stockpile public lands and resources at the expense of taxpayers and our environment. The Obama Administration's review is necessary to finally take into account the damaging impact that carbon pollution has on our climate and our economy. As we work toward achieving the pollution reduction goals outlined in Paris, this action is an important step toward a clean energy economy that is good for taxpayers, public health, and the future of our planet."

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