The Senate voted Thursday night to pass the dirty debt ceiling deal by a wide margin. Senator Kaine's amendment, the only Democratic amendment considered, to remove the pro-MVP portions of the deal failed earlier in the evening on a 30-69 vote.

For the thousands of us who called, sent letters, posted on social media, and otherwise took action this is obviously a disappointment. And for folks on the frontlines — in Appalachia, the Gulf South, and anywhere existing laws like NEPA are helping to slow or prevent fossil fuel projects — it's not just disappointing, it's dangerous. As our friends said last night, despite our fierce opposition, Congress sacrificed Appalachia. "Our hearts are broken but our bonds are strong."

If you're frustrated, angry, disappointed, or sad – honor those feelings with action. Answer the call from leaders on the frontlines and join us next week to take non-violent direct action and end the era of fossil fuels.

Especially if you're near enough to get to DC — including on one of our buses from North Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia — please join me in rage, grief, and solidarity at the White House on June 8 at 2pm. Bring your whole self and prepare to risk arrest with us as we lay the Mountain Valley Pipeline, in particular, at Biden's doorstep.

Join us in action to End the Era of Fossil Fuels

This is a tough loss, with real consequences for real people's lives. Appalachia has been sacrificed, again, for fossil fuel profits. Hungry Americans will have a harder time accessing food. And MAGA extremists will be emboldened to push for more pipelines, more fossil fuels, and more cruelty in US budget policy because now they know that taking the economy hostage works and that President Biden will not only negotiate, but give in to them on key demands.

But the resistance we mounted was also notable, and noted by a lot of press and politicians. More than 100 climate hawks in Congress backed us on amendments and procedural motions. But, if we're honest with each other, we were never going to end the era of fossil fuels because the US House or Senate voted on it.

This has been a bruising, exhausting week. Let your emotions radicalize you in this moment, and move you into action. Keep hope sharpened like an axe, and let it propel you out the door. Let it drive you to take risk, and recruit others to join you. Together, I still believe that we will win — and I will see you in the streets to make it happen.

See you there,

Drew and the 198 methods to end an era, but a vote of Congress isn't one, crew

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