Pennsylvania – March 13, 2023
Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light laments the release of the Record of Decision today by President Biden and Secretary Haaland approving the multi-billion Cocono-Phillips oil project on public lands in Alaska. This project puts in place infrastructure designed to extract oil for 30 years estimated to produce up to 287 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The science is clear that the time for transition to clean energy is now. While the Administration has taken important action on climate change, particularly through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, this recent decision is a step away from climate progress and leadership.
Our Executive Director, Katie Ruth, notes:
It is very disappointing that President Biden & Secretary Haaland have approved a multi-billion dollar oil project on public lands. Our collective future does not depend on fossil fuels. The Willow Project is a disastrous choice that sends us further down the pathway of irreparable environmental harm. The climate crisis is a crisis not just of science and leadership, but morals. Who are we as humans, how do we live in right relationship with each other and the planet, and what kind of world do we want to live in? These are the questions that must inspire us to take strong action. We have a moral obligation to the wellbeing of our neighbors and earth.
PA IPL Board’s passed a resolution in 2016 on no new fossil fuel infrastructure. You can read the entire resolution here: https://bit.ly/3LjddSQ
Your voice on this issue matters. We invite you to share your concern with your elected officials, with your loved ones, or by sharing your response on social media with the hashtag #StopWillow
Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light inspires and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change. We educate, we advocate, and we lead conservation efforts across the state. PA IPL is the Pennsylvania affiliate of Interfaith Power & Light, a national religious response to the threat of climate change. We see climate change as a moral issue, one that demands a response from people of faith.