Barragán Op-ed: Oil Spill Shows Why We Need Climate Investments in Build Back Better Act

Press Release

In a new op-ed, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán makes the case that the recent oil spill off the Coast of Southern California proves the importance of maintaining strong climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act.

She writes, "The ongoing series of disasters proves fossil fuels are not safe. They are not worth our billions in federal subsidies or the price we pay to clean up the mess left behind by fossil fuel companies."

Congresswoman Barragán draws a parallel to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill 11 years ago, when Congress was also considering landmark climate legislation. That bill failed.

"With the unprecedented climate investments in the Build Back Better Act, we face another consequential moment. Will this Congress and Administration act in a way that recognizes the true scale of the climate crisis? Will we jumpstart the transition off fossil fuels with the urgency it requires?

"Or, like we did 11 years ago, will we give in to long-running dishonest efforts by the fossil fuel lobby to weaken and defeat the climate and environmental justice provisions in the Build Back Better Act? This may be our best chance in a generation for Congress to meaningfully address the climate crisis.

"It's critical we hold the line on the investments in climate and environmental justice in the Build Back Better Act," she writes.

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