For years we've told you how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rubber stamps virtually every fossil fuel project proposed to them. There's a new FERC environmental justice docket open right now, which builds upon their roundtable discussion last March. They've also been ordered by President Biden, under a new Executive Order issued on Earth Day, to consider environmental justice impacts.

But so far, FERC hasn't been willing to consider the one thing that really matters to climate and environmental justice: say no to a fossil fuel project.

Take Action: Click here to submit a comment in the docket that FERC environmental justice can’t just be a box you check on a form – we need real action and for FERC to say NO to fossil fuel projects.

Tell FERC: Environmental justice is more than a box to check

There's a longer post in our blog with more details and history but here's the short version for your busy inbox:

A few years ago, the Democratic FERC majority admitted that they were failing to adequately consider climate and environmental justice impacts. So they proposed new FERC rules to finally address environmental justice and climate change.

Joe Manchin (Fossil fascist, WV) demanded FERC retract that rule, which they did over our strong objections. And then to make sure it never happened again Manchin refused to confirm any more Democrats to FERC — ensuring that any new FERC environmental justice or climate rules can be overruled by the Republican minority.

Since then, FERC has held hearings on environmental justice, and President Biden has issued a whole new Executive Order demanding agencies like FERC consider it. But Manchin hasn't stopped interfering either. Just last month he forced Biden's Energy Secretary to write a dirty, dishonest letter supporting the MVP and send it to FERC, even though FERC has already given the MVP all the permits they possibly can!

And, as a result of Manchin's continued pressure, FERC's rubber-stamping nature, President Biden's climate cowardice, or all of the above (get it?) FERC has continued to rubber stamp fossil fuel projects. The only difference is that now they check a box saying they "considered" environmental Justice.

Click here to file a comment, which we'll submit on your behalf to the FERC Docket on Environmental Justice. Comments are due by May 15, so make sure to send yours without delay!

Thanks,

Drew and the 198 "no environmental justice, no peace" chants crew

PS - Because FERC dockets are (intentionally) hard to comment on or communicate with, once you use our quick and easy tool we'll also direct you to some toolkits and materials from other FERC fighters like POWHR, Frontlines to FERC, and more. They're also linked in the sources below for good measure - check 'em out!

Sources:

Rubber stamping "environmental justice" isn't enough, John.