As House of Representatives Changes Control, Alaska Braces for Calls to Drill
As House of Representatives Changes Control, Alaska Braces for Calls to Drill
“We will not let up on the fight for aggressive climate action”
Contacts:
Aileo Weinmann | 202-538-5038 | aileo@alasakwild.org
Kristen Miller | 202-210-8760 | kristen@alaskawild.org
Washington, D.C. – 2022 midterm election results are expected to flip control of the House of Representatives for the next Congress – albeit more narrowly than forecasted – with Republicans predicted to take control of the chamber in January. Control of the Senate is too close to call at this point, with key races in Alaska, Arizona, Georgia and Nevada still undecided.
Statement by Kristen Miller, conservation director of Alaska Wilderness League:
“As we continue to wait for every vote to be counted, this week’s election has shown that Americans broadly reject Big Oil greed and prioritize strong climate action. In several key races, results reflected strong support for holding oil and gas companies accountable, as well as high turnout among young voters.
“As we wait for the final tally, a bright note in House elections is the projected victory by Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) to fill Don Young’s former seat. We’re inspired by the first Alaska Native woman elected to Congress, and looking forward to working with her on a range of issues. Alaska Wilderness League remains optimistic that Rep. Peltola can evolve on how she views the future for climate, energy and drilling policies.
“Although Senate control is undecided as of yet, there are signs that taking on Big Oil was a winning issue in some races: Senator-elect John Fetterman (D-PA) won with a message about oil and gas CEO greed and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) was easily re-elected after calling for oil and gas executive accountability.
“The House of Representatives change of power means that we can expect new calls from Big-Oil friendly politicians to drill in Alaska, never mind how foolish or dishonest it is to suggest that we can simply drill our way out of high gas prices. While we foresee a difficult climate between House leadership and the Biden administration, with White House cabinet officials likely to be making regular trips as witnesses for oversight hearings, we will not let up on the fight for aggressive climate action.”