From Inequality Media
Let me be very clear: We should not try to prop up oil prices. We should not bail out oil companies.
We must accelerate our shift to solar, wind, and other non-fossil fuels. We must work towards a world in which workers and communities thrive and our shared climate comes before industry profits.
Both our economy and the environment are in crisis. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority of Americans struggle to get by. The climate crisis is worsening inequality, as those who are most economically vulnerable bear the brunt of flooding, fires, and disruptions to supplies of food, water, and power.
Make no mistake: the simultaneous crisis of inequality and climate is no fluke. Both are the result of decades of deliberate choices made, and policies enacted, by ultra-wealthy and powerful corporations.
Australia's bush-fires wiped out a billion animals, California's fire season wreaks more havoc every year, and record-setting storms are tearing through our communities like never before.
Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry has exploited the coronavirus crisis to suspend all environmental regulations.
Scientists tell us we have 10 years left to dramatically reduce emissions. We have no room for meek half-measures wrapped up inside giant handouts to the fossil fuel industry. And we certainly have no room for a pandemic response that ramps up carbon pollution.
I'll say it again: we should not try to prop up oil prices. Oil companies do not deserve to see a dime of taxpayer money.
We cannot go back to normal after this crisis ends.