John,
Late last Friday, President Biden broke yet another campaign promise:
On the campaign trail Biden told us, “And by the way, no more drilling on federal lands, period. Period, period, period.” But now 145,000 acres of public land in 9 states are set to be auctioned off for oil and gas drilling.
The fact of the matter is, more drilling won’t solve the issue of high gas prices right now – so why is Biden pushing to resume drilling on public lands and further our dependence on fossil fuels?
This is why young people are doubting the political process altogether. If Biden wants to increase voter turnout this year, he should work to deliver on the things he promised, rather than move further away from them.
Biden is actively turning voters away with his recent actions. As his approval ratings plummet, especially amongst young people, his administration continues to stall enacting proper climate legislation.
The Biden administration can’t get away with this disastrous climate decision. That is why Sunrise Movement sent the Democratic establishment a memo warning them that if candidates fail to run boldly on climate change in 2022, their chances will suffer even further.
And new polling conducted by Data for Progress in the recent Texas primaries reinforce that young people overwhelmingly support a Green New Deal, and are willing to organize their communities and turn out for candidates that support a Green New Deal as well.
Democrats are treating 2022 like they already lost, but the fight is far from over. If they seize the progressive mandate that young people elected them on and deliver, they still have a shot.
If we’re going to combat fascism and win in 2022, Biden must be a leader and course correct. This election and our future depends on it.
In solidarity,
Varshini, Sunrise