Pressley Blasts Big Oil for Delay Tactics, False Climate Pledges
Statement
Today, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) blasted big oil companies for putting forward false climate solutions and exacerbating the climate crisis, which has threatened communities like Chelsea and East Boston in the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District.
In her line of questioning, Rep. Pressley criticized giant oil companies' use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), a flawed and unproven technology for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and called for real solutions that are proven to work and keep our planet safe.
A full transcript of her exchange with witnesses is available below and the full video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley Blasts Big Oil for Delay Tactics, False Climate Pledges
House Committee on Oversight and Reform
February 8, 2022
REP. PRESSLEY: In 2020, a CO2 pipeline ruptured and burst in Yazoo County, Mississippi - a low-income and majority Black population -- and because of the rupture of high-pressure gases, a noxious brain fog seep out spread through the area, leaving residents convulsing, foaming at the mouth, and even unconscious. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the Yazoo County pipeline explosion, we must recognize this carbon-capture explosion is just another example of a toxic legacy of environmental racism that has plagued our nation for far too long. Miss Lewis, what can the federal government do to limit existing and future harms to frontline and vulnerable communities, which are disproportionately Black and brown folks, from these toxic pipelines?
TRACY LEWIS: Thank you so much for that incredibly important question. It's, it's heartbreaking to even hear those effects of that pipeline burst. So clearly, the industries will not build if they are not siphoning American taxpayer dollars to subsidize their so-called carbonate capture. So, let's just end it. Let's be done with it. Let's end 45 Q that gives tax breaks to companies that say they're going to build yet haven't, and they've already cashed the checks. Let's continue to push. Let's continue to highlight the harmful effects on our most vulnerable communities. And I think we can start to make some real impacts there.
REP PRESSLEY: Right. So-called CCS, you know, more sort of propaganda here. So Big Oil touts CCS, and other improving technology because they want to keep producing fossil fuels rather than doing what's really necessary: reducing extraction and production of oil and gas. Let's recognize carbon capture for what it is. As you just so eloquently pointed out Miss Lewis, it is a delay tactic and a distraction. And I yield back.
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