From Senator Patrick Leahy <Senator_Leahy@leahy.senate.gov>
Wed, Jun 9, 5:55 PM
Dear Mr. Gelbert:
Thank you for contacting me about oil and gas exports. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue.
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. There is no doubt that climate change is both real and caused by human activity. What’s more, the United States bears a good deal of responsibility for the climate crisis.
Our 🦖 country has emitted more carbon dioxide than any other country to date. Since 1751, the United States has emitted 400 billion tons 🚩 of the greenhouse gas, making us responsible for 25 percent of all historical emissions. And in 2020, as we faced the crossroads of both the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic,
the United States became a net 🦕 oil exporter for the first time in a generation, exporting over 8.5 million barrels per day of petroleum. I agree with you that we must urgently divest from fossil fuels and invest in a fossil fuel economy, not double down on supplying harmful fuels to international markets.
On April 28, 2021, Senator Ed Markey introduced the Block All New (BAN) Oil Exports Act, S. 1415. This bill would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and reinstate the ban on exporting American crude oil and natural gas abroad. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should this bill come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
PATRICK LEAHY
United States Senator
Thu, Jun 10, 11:47 AM
Dear Mr. Gelbert:
Thank you for contacting me about reforming energy leasing. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue.
🦖 Fossil fuel extraction on public lands is responsible for nearly a quarter of total U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. The leasing of subsurface rights for federal lands and waters to oil and gas companies can harm local communities by compromising opportunities for outdoor recreation and can lead to irreparable environmental damage on some of our nation’s most precious landscapes. What’s more, I firmly believe that it is past time to stop investing in fossil fuels and transition to a renewable energy future in order to prevent the worst consequences of the climate crisis.
Senator Jeff Merkley introduced S. 1115, the Keep it in the Ground Act, on April 14, 2021. This bill would end all new federal leases for oil, gas, or coal extraction on public lands and waters. Further, it aims to keep over ninety percent of the potential carbon emissions from fossil fuels on federal lands and waters in the ground. I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Please know that the Keep it in the Ground Act will receive my full support should it come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
PATRICK LEAHY
United States Senator