(Washington, DC) – Today, Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted no on H.R. 1, “the Polluters of People Act.” This bill is House Republicans’ shameless giveaway to polluters and is full of loopholes to benefit the oil, gas, and mining industries. It would reverse the significant climate provisions included in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, including repealing:
- The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $27 billion program focused on investing in clean energy projects to create good-paying jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The $4.5 billion program that provides rebates to Americans for new high-efficient upgrades on appliances and heating designed to lower energy consumption.
- The Methane Emissions Reduction Program which lowers methane leaks and pollution from the oil and gas industry.
“Today, I voted no on H.R. 1, which puts corporations over people and is a shameful giveaway to big fossil fuel interests and polluters by creating loopholes and providing industry handouts. In Hawaiʻi, we view the environment as more than just a resource—it’s a sacred responsibility, our kuleana to ourselves and future generations” said. Rep. Jill Tokuda. “For centuries, Native Hawaiians have sought balance--from mauka to makai--understanding the intimate connections that we have with each other and our lifegiving resources. This is the kind of future that we should be striving for: one that promotes community and fosters responsible use of natural resources. Everyone deserves to have a seat at the table on proposed projects that pollute their water and air, especially underserved communities and communities of color who have historically bore the brunt of industrialization. This bill puts an undue burden on ordinary, hard-working Americans to fight for their basic right to clean water, clean air, and a clean environment.”
You can watch Rep. Tokuda’s remarks here.
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