As we approach the end of what is on track to be the
hottest year on record and as world leaders just agreed to an historic climate
plan, Congress voted to lift the four decade old ban on crude oil
exports. The decision now lies on
President Obama, who has threatened to veto the bill. Lifting the ban would only
add more fuel to the fires that are burning out West, create a more acidic
ocean, and squander our natural resources for future generations. The only
winners from this deal are Big Oil, who would see massive profits, while
our coast will be in greater risk from offshore drilling.
By lifting the ban, it is estimated an
additional 22 million metric tons of global warming pollution will be emitted
each year. An extra 7,600 more wells would have to be drilled, yielding 3.3
million more barrels of oil a day. More oil could mean more pipelines, more
offshore exporting facilities, more greenhouse gases, and an even stronger push
to open the Atlantic to offshore drilling.
It is hypocritical for the United States to agree to
urgently address climate change, while simultaneously approving policies that
will accelerate the warming of the planet. Clean Ocean Action is urged lawmakers
to keep the ban in place.
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