Clinton Firmly Opposes NED Pipeline

MEDIA ADVISORY
February 8, 2016
Contact: Lindsay Meiman, (347) 460-9082

Portsmouth, NH — Just days ahead of the New Hampshire primary, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton expressed her direct opposition to the Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline. When asked by Ian Ware, a student at the University of Virginia, if she supports the pipeline, Clinton responded with a firm “no.”

Just last December, Clinton avoided taking a position on the pipeline referring to it as a state level issue. This move comes only days after the former Secretary of State referred to a future ban on extraction of coal, oil and gas on public lands as a “done deal.”

The NED Pipeline, proposed by Kinder Morgan, would carry fracked gas for 400 miles through Massachusetts and New Hampshire, making the pipeline a local concern for many New Hampshire voters. Fellow Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the NED pipeline and to all new fossil fuel infrastructure.

“In the last week alone, young people have pushed Clinton to take stronger stances against the fossil fuel industry than she has in her entire political career,” said Yong Jung Cho, 350 Action Campaign Coordinator. “With her opposition of the NED pipeline and future extraction on public lands, it appears Secretary Clinton is beginning to understand that young voters are looking for a leader who will explain exactly how they’re going to keep fossil fuels in the ground.”

While many welcome Clinton’s opposition to this potential fossil fuel infrastructure, activists remain concerned about her close ties to fracking and her continued acceptance of fossil fuel industry donations. Sanders has repeatedly expressed his support for a sweeping ban on fracking and has publicly pledged not to accept donations from the fossil fuel industry.

Video: bit.ly/1Qn8zft

Full Transcript:

Ian Ware: Hi, Secretary Clinton. Do you support the NED pipeline?

Hillary Clinton: No.

###

350 Action has not endorsed any presidential candidate and is working in primary states to urge candidates for president to take bold action on climate change by pledging to keep fossil fuels in the ground and support a just transition to a 100% renewable energy.