FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
19 November 2021
Contact: Hannah Lee Flath, hannahlee.flath@sierraclub.org, 860-634-0225
Chicago, IL -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, which includes the largest federal investment to combat climate change in history. The Build Back Better Act invests $1.75 trillion in clean energy technology, electric vehicle infrastructure, and climate resilience, including funding for the Civilian Climate Corps. The law entices utility companies away from “natural” gas and coal, setting the country up to move toward renewable energy and cut pollution by 50% by 2030. Sierra Club Illinois joins other environmental advocates across the country in celebration of this vote, and urges the Senate to bring the Build Back Better Act across the finish line.
In Illinois, five of our eighteen Congressional Representatives advocated for the best interests of all Illinoisans and the future of our planet by holding the line during ongoing negotiations regarding the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Time and time again, Representative Jesus “Chuy” García, Representative Marie Newman, Representative Jan Schakowsky, Representative Sean Casten, and Representative Mike Quigley fought against cuts to the economic and climate package and advocated to ensure that communities in Illinois and across the nation will benefit from the Build Back Better Act.
In response, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter Director Jack Darin shared the following statement:
“The passage of this federal legislation in the House comes just two months after the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in Illinois, which sets the standard for clean energy legislation on a state level. Sierra Club urges the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act so that Illinois can not only act on investments in clean energy and clean water infrastructure, but on federal programs that protect communities, make us healthier, and advance equity. We applaud the Representatives from Illinois who voted in favor of the Build Back Better Act and are grateful to have strong climate champions in the Illinois delegation. We look forward to working with state and local leaders to ensure these investments improve the lives of Illinois residents and deliver a brighter future for our communities.”