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Quigley Statement on Methane Rule Vote in the Senate

May 10, 2017

CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC), released the following statement on the Senate's vote against proceeding with Congressional Review Act repeal of the Bureau of Land Management Methane Waste rule:

"During a time when we are accustomed to seeing bad news followed by terrible news regarding the protection of our environment, I am extremely pleased to hear that the Bureau of Land Management's rule to curtail wasted methane on federal lands will survive congressional Republicans' misguided attempt to repeal it. Now, BLM will have the opportunity to help create local, well-paying jobs while saving taxpayers' money and reducing harmful air pollution and climate-warming greenhouse gasses.

"In addition to all 48 Senate Democrats, three of their Republican colleagues, Senators Graham, Collins, and McCain, stepped up to protect this popular rule and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all Americans, especially those in western, methane producing states. I thank them for putting the preservation of our earth before partisan politics.

"So far, the Trump Administration has been a disaster for clean air, clean water, and productive, well-managed natural resources. The Scott Pruitt-led EPA has shirked its duty to ensure that our country is livable and healthy place for all of its inhabitants and has backtracked on the moral and economic imperative of aggressively fighting climate change. Today's vote in the Senate is a welcome bit of good news. I hope that this signals a turning point in congressional action and understanding that sustainable environmental policy is a prerequisite for robust and sustained economic growth."

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