MEJC Statement on the Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act

Marathon Oil refinery in Detroit, Michigan. Source: Romain Blanquart, Detroit Free Press, Jan. 4, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 08, 2022

Contact: Juan Jhong-Chung (juan@michiganej.org), 857-233-3717

In response to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 in the U.S. Senate, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition responded:

“Environmental Justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias. No legislation that increases production of fossil fuels and sacrifices the lives of countless Black, Brown, Indigenous, and poor communities at the frontlines of toxic projects deserves to be applauded or called ‘historic’. The Inflation Reduction Act expands fossil fuel leasing, funds unproven technologies, and weakens NEPA. MEJC is extremely concerned about the “Permitting Reform” side deal that would fast track polluting projects in our communities. These deals will not bring about justice or emissions reductions for Michigan or our country. It's time for all of us to get to work to protect our families from the expansion of oil and gas, and build the healthy, clean future we deserve. ” said Juan Jhong-Chung, Climate Justice Director, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition