(September 23, 2019) — The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) passed a resolution introduced by Railroad Commission of Texas chairman Wayne Christian urging the federal government to oppose presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) version of the Green New Deal.

“Earlier in September, Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled his $16.3-trillion Green New Deal plan, which would cripple our state’s economy by banning the extraction of fossil fuels,” Christian said. “As a statewide elected official charged with overseeing our state’s natural resources development, it is my duty to stand up for Texas’ Tenth Amendment Rights.”

Sanders, a self-described democratic-socialist, introduced his climate action program Aug. 22. Carrying a $16.3-trillion price tag, the plan declares climate change a national emergency and calls for new wind, solar, and geothermal infrastructure construction across the country, as well as committing $200 billion to help poor nations cope with climate change. By 2030, 100% renewable energy would fuel the U.S. electricity and transportation sectors and the U.S. would be completely decarbonized by the year 2050.

While discussing his resolution, Christian emphasized that the U.S. has some of the cleanest air in the world. From 1970 to 2017, the six major pollutants monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency plunged by 73%, while the nation’s economy grew by 262% and its population rose 60%.

“Over my dead body will I allow out-of-state forces to eliminate jobs, decrease state revenue, and increase the cost of living on the constituents I represent,” Christian said. “I am proud to stand with my fellow regulators from across the nation and strongly urge the federal government to oppose the Green New Deal.”

According to the action plan, IOGCC will send copies of its resolution to President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, key administration officials, and congressional leaders to encourage them to oppose Sanders’ plan and other substantially similar legislation.

IOGCC is a multistate government agency that works to ensure oil and natural gas resources in the U.S. are conserved and maximized while protecting public health, safety, and the environment. The commission was created more than 80 years ago when six states joined to resolve common issues and share best practices for industry regulation, thereby minimizing federal intervention. Christian, appointed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as the state’s representative to IOGCC in April 2017, serves on several of the organization’s committees.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, September 16, 2019)