Against fast track for the TPP

Posted 8/21/12

At a time when Americans are looking for Congressional leadership, we can’t afford to tie the hands of Congress on the most important trade issues of the day. Trade Priorities and Accountability …

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Against fast track for the TPP

Posted

At a time when Americans are looking for Congressional leadership, we can’t afford to tie the hands of Congress on the most important trade issues of the day. Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 replicates the old failed model of fast track that enables the President to send already signed trade pacts to Congress for limited floor debate, no amendments, and a straight up-or-down vote. With fast track, Congress loses its ability to ensure that trade pacts protect communities and the environment.

This is particularly concerning given what we know about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Leaked TPP drafts and news reports show that the trade agreement would have a big impact on our climate. The TPP would weaken our environmental standards, open the floodgates to more fracking, grease the wheels for increased LNG exports, and empower corporations to attack climate and other policies in secret trade tribunals.

On a whole range of issues, the TPP simply falls short. We need a Congress that is fully engaged to ensure trade agreements like this reflect our values. Fast track would send the wrong message that Congress is asleep at the wheel when Americans are looking for leadership.

We urge all of our congressional leaders to Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 and to ensure they are fully engaged in the review of trade deals that affect both present and future generations of our nation.

[The above statement was issued by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Aquashicola/Pohopoco Watershed Conservancy, Brandywine Watershed Regeneration, Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Environment New Jersey, Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition of Luzerne County, Harmony Hill Lodging and Retreat Center, Kickapoo Peace Circle, PA Interfaith Power & Light, Peach Bottom Concerned Citizens, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, South River Federation, Waterkeeper Alliance and WESPAC Foundation.]

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