Washington, D.C. -Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Ro Khanna, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Environment, and Rep. Ilhan Omar led more than 50 Democrats in sending a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer requesting that they include the repeal of fossil fuel subsidies in the Build Back Better Act.
“We are greatly appreciative of the President’s focus on repealing these harmful and wasteful subsidies. We support a deal that sufficiently enhances climate justice, especially in repealing fossil fuel subsidies. Congress must follow through in implementing the President’s vision," the Members wrote. “The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated clearly that the world has less than a decade left to make significant reductions in carbon pollution emissions. Curbing subsidies for this industry would also advance racial justice."
In their letter, the Members underscored that ending fossil fuel subsidies is an essential step in achieving environmental justice in the United States. Studies indicate that the pollution generated by the fossil fuel industry disproportionately affects the health and well-being of communities of color.
According to the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. government ranks second in the world in its support of the oil and gas industry. The federal government and state governments give the fossil fuel industry over $20.5 billion in support each year through tax breaks, inadequate royalty rates, and direct funding.
