The U.S. House of Representatives' recent passage of energy legislation aimed at expanding mining and fossil fuel production in the U.S. brought a quick rebuke from the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and similar organizations. Authored by Steve Scalise, the legislation dubbed by environmentalists as "The Polluters Over People Act," would repeal crucial portions of President Biden's signature climate legislation.
". "."
Rolfes said the legislation was a "particular affront" to communities of color who already bear the burden of pollution in Louisiana and claims that Scalise "collaborates with white supremacists." The bill, says Rolfes, puts Louisiana in danger of more flooding via coastal destruction and only serves Scalise's greedy ambitions.
". Steve Scalise and the Louisiana Representatives who voted for this bill should be ashamed," Rolfes continued. She applauded Congressman Troy Carter, the only member of Louisiana's congressional delegation, to vote against the bill and urged President Biden to veto the legislation.
Proponents of the legislation claim that restricting oil and gas leasing and prohibiting mining development have caused irreparable harm to those industries. Democrats believe the new legislation removed far too many safeguards. According to Congress.gov’s summary of the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R.1), the bill promotes expanded fossil fuel development while reducing environmental oversight.
