WASHINGTON, DC – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy, in advance of the U.S. Senate voting on the Inflation Reduction Act:  

“Passing the Inflation Reduction Act would mark the biggest investment in climate change solutions in U.S. history and Ocean Conservancy encourages the Senate and House to act quickly on the full package. The climate provisions, entirely paid for within the bill, are a down payment on a healthy and resilient future for the climate, our ocean and our communities. The deal includes critical ocean-climate action with investments to decarbonize our ports, increase coastal restoration, and incentivize U.S. offshore wind deployment and domestic manufacturing. The investments in renewable energy and a just transition in this package will help the U.S. keep its word and deliver on our climate commitments at home and abroad.  

“While we strongly support this agreement and believe that it will meaningfully impact global efforts to address climate change and advance environmental justice, we do not agree with provisions that continue to prop up the dirty and destructive oil and gas industry. Oil and gas activity poses a threat to ocean and coastal ecosystems and communities. We oppose making the leasing of offshore clean energy contingent on new leasing for oil and gas development. Climate change impacts, like sea level rise and extreme weather, are being felt across the world with especially devastating impacts on the most vulnerable communities and places. We must continue to work towards a safe and secure clean energy future for all and away from the polluting fossil fuels of the past.” 

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Ocean Conservancy experts are available for interviews. 

About Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.