Early this morning, Senate Republicans passed their FY2025 budget resolution, paving the way for more giveaways to billionaires and fossil fuel CEOs. Their plan includes eliminating the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP), a move that would increase deadly climate pollution, worsen air quality, and put Americans at risk. In response, Evergreen Action Executive Director Lena Moffitt released the following statement:

“The Senate’s budget resolution proves that the only thing Republicans are urgently focused on is giveaways for billionaires and Big Oil at the expense of everyday Americans. By proposing to eliminate one of our best tools to curb harmful methane leaks, which drive up climate-fueled disasters that cost American families billions, they are siding with Big Oil over their own constituents. The American people value clean air and healthy communities. Ending this highly popular program would put Americans at risk and let corporate polluters off the hook for their role in causing the climate crisis. 

“Voters, including Republicans, say oil and gas companies are among those most responsible for causing the climate crisis and overwhelmingly back the methane fee. But instead of listening to them, Senate Republicans are pushing a plan that would make our air dirtier and our climate more dangerous, all so fossil fuel CEOs can rake in even bigger profits. It’s not just bad policy—it’s bad politics. This deeply unpopular agenda puts them at odds with their own voters, and they will pay the price at the ballot box.”

Last month, a new national poll from YouGov revealed broad, bipartisan support for preserving federal investments that strengthen clean energy industries and promote their use. When asked about specific programs and tax credits, voters overwhelmingly backed each by two-thirds or more, including methane fees for polluting oil and gas companies (71%). You can find additional key takeaways from the poll here. 

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