News Release
Build Back Fossil Free
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change continues to report undeniable proof that global warming is increasing at faster rates than earlier predicted, yet the United Nations continues to ignore their own scientists and sell communities false solutions that allow the fossil fuel industry to keep profiting off the destruction of our ecosystems. These false solutions do not address our crisis at its root. Rapidly changing weather patterns leave Black, Indigenous, communities of the global majority and poor communities devastated from climate chaos. Without quickly phasing out fossil fuels, the United States will not get close to its 2030 emission goals, and the Biden Administration has yet to lay out a clear agenda for how to end our reliance on fossil fuels and protect communities across the country who are suffering from climate chaos.
With a swipe of his pen, Biden can deploy his executive powers to weaken the geopolitical power of fossil fuels, address the climate emergency, and prevent further mass suffering. Instead, Biden has doubled down on false solutions such as announcing a deal aimed at ramping up fracked gas (LNG) exports to Europe in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He also refuses to stop the Dakota Access and Line 3 pipelines and uses the Defense Production Act to ramp up mining. As Biden continues to delay, we have seen tornadoes rip through the city of New Orleans, Texas has declared a state of emergency in 11 counties due to fires and heatwaves at both Earth’s poles have scientists continuing to warn of climate disaster.
Quotes from Build Back Fossil Free frontline leaders:
“Putting myself on the frontline was an act of necessity due to the powers that be, and Biden’s refusal to act. His choice to not act on the climate crisis puts indigenous peoples at risk, and further harms our communities. I ask Biden to take seriously his promise of being a climate leader and act so that Mothers like me can enjoy raising our children.”
–Taysha Martineau, Camp Migizi
“Recently, the Port of Corpus Christi, which is off the Texas Gulf Coast, was notified that $157 million dollars from the Biden administration would be possibly granted to complete a port bridge project. This is one example of many that shows that this administration isn’t taking direct action to stop the climate crisis. If built, the bridge will be completed by 2025 and will allow larger carriers & more Crude oil & LNG exports to come out of Corpus Christi Bay. What does this mean for our waters and land here? More Destruction, pollution and fossil fuel companies expanding. The Biden administration claims to be “for” impacted communities, but here we are observing the worst climate crisis decisions made from this administration. What will our Indigenous group in Corpus keep doing? Despite the bridge going up, and the bad decisions happening from this administration, we will not give up and they should expect us every time fossil fuel companies try to come and set up shop here.”
– Love Sanchez. Co-founder of Indigenous Peoples of the Coastal Bend. (Karankawa Kadla Tribe)
“We ask the leaders of the world to address climate change at the scale of the global catastrophe that it is. The relentless commodification of our Mother Earth is a root cause of climate change. The capitalist desire to continue on this path of commodifying our elements is not only against Indigenous ways of being, it’s a path to prolong the harmful industries that are the cause of climate chaos. We cannot buy our way out of this climate change. We must not continue the path of commodifying our Mother Earth. Our lands will not be allowed to serve as sacrifice zones for elites to continue business as usual. This is ecological genocide of the biodiversities and our people.”
– Thomas Joseph, Hoopa Valley Tribe
“As the tribal chairman of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe Texas, and as it is a katawan for the Esto’k Gna, we wish to tell the Biden administration, that we as a Tribal sovereign nation wish to hold accountable Biden Administration. When 28 laws that all negatively impact the environment have not been rescinded, a clear message of no action is being sent. When arrogant profiteers seek to change the environment of Mars without first taking care of the climate and atmosphere of our Earth, the reluctance is evident. When our lack of knowledge of carbon sequestration and hydrogen capture becomes your focus; it is clear your intentions are to continue your genocide of tribal people and other earth beings. We will continue to be the proponents and advocates against climate change. We will continue to remind you how you have added to more broken treaties and promises. It is shame that lying has become an ideal of lawless politicians.”
– Juan Mancias, Chairman of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe
“Pueblo Action Alliance calls for the Biden Administration to take immediate action in declaring a climate emergency and divesting from all fossil fuel projects. Indigenous, frontline and marginalized communities of color continue to be sacrificed in the name of fossil fuels, while big corporations and those in political power reap the rewards. The impacts of climate change have already stressed our existing natural and cultural resources in the Southwest. When the Biden Administration contradicts their “climate leader” vision, it becomes a direct threat to Indigenous Peoples who will have to face the risky effects of the fossil fuel industry. The time is now to listen to Indigenous, frontline, youth, and climate justice advocates who are bringing the real facts behind False Solutions and asserting our right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent as stated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People(UNDRIP).”
– Pueblo Action Alliance
Quotes from Build Back Fossil Free organizations:
“Again, politeness and pragmatism get us nowhere. It’s not about asking Biden to do his job, it’s about demanding that he do his job. All of our grassroots movements– from the Gulf Coast to the Tar Sands to Red Hill and beyond– are interconnected. Black, Brown, and frontline communities are impacted severely by every failure of this administration, and every administration that has come before it. We don’t have time for politicians to pander, whether it’s to centrists or Big Oil. Homes are being lost, ecosystems are being destroyed, and people’s lives are on the line. Do your job, Joe!”
– Sha Merirei Ongelungel, Executive Director of Pasifika Uprising
About Build Back Fossil Free
Build Back Fossil Free, a coalition of over 1,100 groups pressuring the Biden Administration to declare a climate emergency and end the federal approval of new fossil fuel projects.
For more information visit buildbackfossilfree.org
