Press Releases

Washington D.C.  – Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) released the following statement after President Trump signed two executive orders that would advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. Former President Barack Obama rejected Keystone XL in 2015 and delayed the planned Dakota Access pipeline last year, requesting further environmental analysis by the Army Corps of Engineers.  

“For decades, scientists have proven the devastating impact of fossil fuels on our climate,” Polis said. “After years of environmental protections under the Obama administration, such as his action to reject the Keystone XL pipeline, it’s disheartening to see President Trump put the oil and gas industry ahead of the health of our planet, wellbeing of people, and – in the case of the Dakota Pipeline – sovereignty of Native Americans.”

“I will continue to tirelessly fight to protect our planet for future generations and prevent these oil pipelines from moving forward. In the 21^st century, we should be investing in renewable energy and pursue climate technologies that safeguard our planet rather than subsidizing fossil fuel pipelines.”

On Jan. 8, 2015, Polis voted against the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. On Sept. 30, 2016, Polis, along with 16 other members of Congress, sent a letter urging the Obama administration to intervene and stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. After violence broke out at Standing Rock, Polis sent a letter to former President Barack Obama and Attorney General Loretta Lynch requesting them to de-escalate tensions and protect the safety of demonstrators at Standing Rock.

Polis served on the Committee of Natural Resources last Congress and has advocated for a move toward renewable energies, and worked to restrict the amount of methane released in the environment. Polis has also continued his efforts to protect communities and increase transparency in oil and gas drilling by offering the BREATHE amendment - which he has introduced every Congress since 2011 - the BREATHE amendment would change  the aggregation provision  under the Clean Air Act and add hydrogen sulfide to the Clean Air Act’s federal list of hazardous air pollutants.

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