In response to President Trump’s executive orders on energy and declaring a national energy emergency, Ashfaq Khalfan, Oxfam America’s Climate Justice Director, said:
“Declaring a national ‘energy emergency’ to fast-track fossil fuel development is a recipe for catastrophe that prioritizes rich polluters over people and the planet. The real emergency we are facing is climate change and its devastating impacts, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and low-income groups. By rolling back critical environmental protections, expanding oil and gas production and exports, cutting climate finance to low-income countries and the United Nations, blocking renewable energy developments, pausing public funding for renewable energy, gutting emissions standards, these policies will accelerate climate breakdown, deepen inequality, increase energy costs and jeopardize public health.
“President Trump’s plan to keep the U.S. hooked on fossil fuels under the guise of ‘energy dominance’ will line the pocketbooks of billionaires and fossil fuel companies and further expose frontline communities to pollution and climate-induced extreme weather and disasters. Meanwhile, the administration will undercut renewable energy, even though it creates jobs and reduces energy costs.
“Oxfam remains committed to fighting for bold, equitable climate action and holding policymakers accountable for the U.S.’s global responsibility as the largest historical polluter. Expanding outdated fossil fuel infrastructure and weakening environmental standards is not a true path to energy security. Even in the face of federal regressive climate policies, strong state and local leaders can drive significant emissions reductions and investments. Now is the time to divest from fossil fuels, strengthen global climate commitments, and promote clean energy to build a just and sustainable future.”
/ENDS