Passage of Tax Relief Bill is a Triumph for Clean Air and Smart Energy Policy

WASHINGTON (February 17, 2012) -- The following is a statement by Scott Slesinger, legislative director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, on the passage of the payroll tax relief legislation:

“The passage of payroll tax relief without any anti-environmental riders is a victory for clean air and sensible energy policy.  President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress stood up to the persistent efforts of Republican leaders to attach controversial, damaging provisions to this must-pass legislation.  We hope this victory for the American public will persuade the Republican leadership to drop its efforts to clog up and delay other bills with fruitless efforts to promote dirtier air and dirtier energy.”