Build Back Better Act Will Make Robust, Historic Investment in Environmental Justice, Climate Action, Natural Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The newly unveiled Build Back Better Framework will make the largest ever investments in climate action in Congress’ history and deliver on the president’s promises. The National Wildlife Federation heralded the newly unveiled framework, urged congressional leaders to swiftly pass it and the bipartisan infrastructure package, and focus on implementing both laws so no communities are left behind.
“The Build Back Better Framework announced by President Biden today is an astonishingly big deal. $555 billion dedicated to climate action is the largest investment in world history and puts us squarely on the path to reduce emissions by 52% by 2030, while centering equity at home and restoring U.S. leadership around the globe,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The president has always said that when he thinks about climate change, he thinks about jobs, and this framework delivers on that vision by creating millions of good paying jobs manufacturing and deploying clean energy and cleaner products, confronting long-standing environmental injustices, and restoring natural infrastructure to bolster community resilience.
“After months of negotiations, President Biden and congressional Democrats are on the verge of delivering on their ambitious promises to workers, wildlife, and future generations.”
“Communities and wildlife across the country are currently facing the combined threats of a climate crisis, economic downturn, and a global pandemic,” said Mustafa Santiago Ali, vice president of environmental justice, climate and community revitalization. “By including strategic and equitable clean energy and natural infrastructure investments in the Build Back Better Act, we have an immediate opportunity to make tangible changes to address the climate, environmental injustice, biodiversity, and economic crises we face without leaving anyone behind.”
“The clean energy and manufacturing investments being considered by Congress as a part of the Build Back Better Act are essential to achieving our emissions goals, protecting lives, and creating family-sustaining jobs,” said Shannon Heyck-Williams, senior director of climate and energy policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “These investments — including in energy transmission and storage, carbon capture and removal, and clean manufacturing — are desperately needed. While science dictates that more steps are urgently required to avert the worst climate consequences that threaten our communities and our nation’s unparalleled wildlife, the Build Back Better Act gets us a good way toward our climate goals. It is crucial that Congress maintain these strong climate investments and swiftly pass this bill.”
"The House Build Back Better Act includes game-changing funding for coastal restoration and resilience priorities that will protect communities while at the same time storing carbon and providing valuable habitat for fish and wildlife. It also makes critical investments in water infrastructure, taking us one step closer to ensuring access to clean, safe, affordable water for communities and wildlife across the country,” said Jessie Ritter, Senior Director, Water Resources and Coastal Policy. “Congress must move to embrace this historic investment in the future of our coasts and waters.”
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