David Cicilline : Cicilline Statement on Trump’s Actions to Weaken EPA, Enrich Big Oil

WASHINGTON - Shortly after President Donald Trump signed new executive orders to advance construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, and also issued a media blackout and a suspension of new grants through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement today:

'Today, Donald Trump unilaterally imposed a series of actions that will have a destructive impact on families in our state. In FY2016, Rhode Island received more than $35.5 million through the EPA. Thanks to the President's actions today, opportunities for new funding have been halted. This won't just harm our environment, it will have a significant impact on our economy as much of this funding supports good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders.'

'It is also chilling to learn that the President has now imposed a media blackout at the EPA, meaning they can no longer inform the public about the critical services they provide. This comes just one day after the President disingenuously described himself as 'an environmentalist.''

'Finally, restarting the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines will serve only to line the pockets of Big Oil and deepen our country's addiction to fossil fuel. We should be leading the world forward in developing renewable and alternative sources of energy, not falling back on energy sources that contribute to climate change.'