WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eleven environmental organizations sent a letter urging policymakers to reject a dirty coal bill proposed by Sen. Joe Manchin (D -W. Va), today. If enacted, the proposed bill would hamstring the U.S. Export-Import Bank’s ability to enforce climate policies. The agency has financed billions in coal-related projects abroad in recent years, but late last year adopted policies to restrict coal plant financing. By prohibiting the federal government’s largest trade promotion agency from enforcing this policy, the proposed bill would result in billions more for harmful coal projects abroad, and undercut efforts to curb public financing for coal projects globally.

Friends of the Earth Economic Policy Program Senior Manager Doug Norlen issued the following statement:

Sen. Manchin’s proposal to strip enforcement of the Ex-Im Bank’s climate policy puts corporate profits above the health and welfare of the climate and communities. Just when we saw the  light at the end of the coal chute, this dirty coal bill threatens to send us back to the dark ages.

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Expert Contact: Doug Norlen, (202) 465-1650, dnorlen@foe.org
Communications Contact: EA Dyson, (202) 222-0730, edyson@foe.org