DNC Climate Council: Statement on Big Oil Execs Testifying Before Congress

Statement from Michelle Deatrick, Founder and Chair of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council:

“The executives who will stand before Congress today, who will put their hands in the air and swear to tell the truth, lead organizations that have been lying to the public for decades. They have known about the dangers of climate change and their roles in causing it for generations — and continued to pretend they didn’t. Their lying, deceit and destruction of our planet is bad. What is even worse is that Big Oil is being subsidized with our tax dollars to continue inflicting immense, long-term harms on people and planet.   

“The companies represented at today’s hearing, and others in the industry, receive more than $15 billion per year in direct federal subsidies from the U.S. government.

“Ending these unnecessary subsidies is supported by the White House, has strong support among Democrats in the House and Senate, and the majority of the American people. It is also a critical step in fighting climate change and protecting our air, water, soil and future. 

“Calling these executives before Congress and the American public to demand the truth and to hold them accountable is good. But ending their taxpayer subsidies is necessary. 

“With less than ten years left to save the planet from further and escalating devastating impacts from climate change, now is not the time to be timid or take half measures. We are in a climate emergency. The time we are in demands bold action. 

“We hope Congress will act with the urgency the moment demands.”