Sierra Club Demands Congress Protect National Parks from Pipelines

The “National Energy Security Corridors Act” Would Permit Construction of Natural Gas Pipelines

National Parks Sign
National Parks Sign
Sierra Club
Sierra Club

Washington, DC -(AmmoLand.com)- As we near the National Park Centennial, Congress is considering an amendment that would open our national parks to natural gas pipelines.

The National Energy Security Corridors Act (HR 2295) would amend the Minerals Leasing Act, stripping the requirement for Congressional approval of destructive pipeline construction within and across our national parks. The unpopular measure has been attached to must-pass legislation funding the government (HR 8).

Representatives Niki Tsongas (MA) and Don Beyer (VA) have proposed an amendment that would strike this attempt to open our parks to dirty fuels.

In response, Sierra Club’s Director of Lands Protection, Athan Manuel, released the following statement:

“It’s quite telling where some members of Congress’ priorities lie when their view of celebrating the National Park Centennial is to support building natural gas pipelines through them.”

“At a time when President Obama is working with world leaders to craft a global climate agreement, Congress should be finding new ways to protect our environment and prevent further climate disruption — not looking to speed it up.”

“Simply put, allowing pipelines to be built through what is often referred to as ‘America’s best idea’ is one of the worst to come out of Congress.”

About the Sierra Club:

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation.

For more information, visit www.SierraClub.org.