FY25 Budget Resolution Sells Out Our Communities to Big Oil — Common Defense Responds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C –  This morning’s passage of the new budget resolution, approved by the Senate Republicans, serves as a stark reminder that corporate profits continue to be prioritized over the health and safety of our frontline communities. By dismantling vital environmental protections, this plan will expose communities of color and low-income neighborhoods to toxic emissions and climate disasters. Rather than confronting environmental racism head-on, elected officials are giving polluters a free pass—jeopardizing the well-being of those who already bear the brunt of systemic inequities. In response to the passing of this harmful budget resolution, Common Defense’s Deputy Climate Director, Lakiesha Lloyd released the following statement:

“The passage of this new budget resolution is a stark reminder that corporate profits continue to be prioritized over the health and safety of our frontline communities. By dismantling vital environmental protections, this policy will expose communities of color and low-income neighborhoods to toxic emissions and climate disasters. Rather than confronting environmental racism head-on, elected officials are giving polluters a free pass—jeopardizing the well-being of those who already bear the brunt of systemic inequities. As veterans, we refuse to turn a blind eye and allow these elected officials to continue to harm the communities in which we live.

“As veterans, we have seen firsthand the cost of neglecting our communities, and we refuse to stand by while harmful policies threaten our future. We have fought on the frontlines in defense of our country, and we will fight for our communities, united against environmental injustice. We will not allow our communities to be sacrificed for the profit of Big Oil and corporate interests.”

At a time when our beloved communities are directly impacted by environmental harm, this resolution strips away critical tools needed to reduce pollution and protect public health. Common Defense stands firmly for environmental justice, demanding policies that invest in clean air, safe water, and a future where no community is left behind.

We call on all veterans to stand with us in the fight against these harmful policies. Our collective resilience, forged through years of service and sacrifice, gives us the strength to defend our communities from the damage of Big Oil and corporate greed. We chose to fight for our country and now we choose to stand for the health and safety of our neighbors. It’s time to hold those in power accountable. 

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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization (501c4) that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.