Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement following the announcement from the Trump Administration that they would be revising implementation guidelines for the National Environment Policy Act to decrease climate change-related permitting requirements for infrastructure projects:

“With its latest proposed policy change, the Trump Administration is once again ignoring science and putting the needs of their special interest friends and donors ahead of the well-being of American families. These new guidelines undermine critical building requirements that ensure that our communities are able to withstand the growing threat posed by the climate crisis, with significant, dangerous implications for the safety of our families and the financial security of American taxpayers.

“With record storms, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters increasing at an alarming rate, cities and towns across the country are already feeling the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Every year, natural disasters cost American taxpayers billions of dollars; if this proposal is enacted, America will spend billions more on projects that won’t even survive the effects of climate change. Americans cannot afford the Administration’s latest assault on vital environmental and economic protections. Our communities need robust investments in sustainable and resilient infrastructure that strengthens, not diminishes, protections for our families and communities.

“The Trump Administration must abandon this short-sighted proposal and listen to the will of the American people who are demanding bold action to address the climate crisis. House Democrats will continue to build on the progress we have made and work to build a brighter, more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. We have no time to waste.”