RRI Joins 400+ Groups Urging Biden to Declare Climate Emergency, Transition from Fossil Fuels

On May 6, 2024, the Resource Renewal Institute (RRI) and over 400 organizations, including national, state, local, and international groups, signed an open letter urging President Biden to declare a national climate emergency and take swift, transformative action to address the climate crisis. The letter was signed by a diverse coalition spanning environmental, climate, racial justice, Indigenous, youth, faith, and labor groups. Notable signatories include the Climate Justice Alliance, Indigenous Environmental Network, Sunrise Movement, Greenpeace USA, Sierra Club, GreenLatinos, Union of Concerned Scientists, 350.org, and the Resource Renewal Institute.

The letter calls on the Biden administration to use its executive powers to reject new fossil fuel projects, phase out fossil fuel production on federal lands and waters, and redirect agency funds toward renewable energy and community resilience. It also urges the President to declare climate change a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act and the Stafford Act, unlocking additional powers to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

"The climate crisis is ravaging communities worldwide with intensifying and unpredictable extreme weather events," said Chance Cutrano, Director of Programs at the Resource Renewal Institute. "To avert the worst impacts, we need President Biden to declare a climate emergency, halt the billions in subsidies propping up big polluters, and rapidly transition toward a 100% clean energy economy that protects workers, Indigenous rights, and frontline communities."