Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Sierra Club applauds House Democrats for passing President Biden’s transformational Build Back Better Act — historic legislation that takes greatly needed action on climate, childcare, jobs, and justice, and moves us toward President Biden’s goal of cutting U.S. climate pollution in half by 2030.
Now, the Senate should work swiftly to follow suit and pass this transformative bill without further unnecessary delay. Communities and families across the country — especially those that have faced decades of neglect, environmental harm, and industrial pollution — need and deserve the sweeping suite of investments included in Build Back Better. At this crucial turning point in history, it’s time for every Senator to stand up for a future that is just, equitable, and healthy for all.
In Response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce Released the Following Statement:
“This historic legislation — the strongest action Congress has ever taken to tackle the climate crisis — delivers on President Biden’s commitment to make transformational investments in climate action, clean energy, family-sustaining jobs, and environmental justice.
“While no single bill can get the job done, the Build Back Better Act builds a strong foundation for cutting our climate pollution in half to meet the climate test. Bravo President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and House Democrats for investing in urgent climate action despite the universal opposition of Congressional Republicans.
“Now, we need the Senate to promptly pass this bill, a bill that has united every grouping of Democrats in the House. We’re counting on President Biden to help deliver the majority in the Senate to enact his historic agenda that he has assured the public will be there. The time for urgent action is now. We have no time to waste, because the choices we make together now will shape the health of our communities and planet for decades to come.”
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THE HOUSE BILL INCLUDES OVER 100 SPECIFIC INVESTMENTS IN BOLD CLIMATE ACTION spanning scores of policy areas and on a scale never before seen in Congress.
TOP AMONG THE CLIMATE ACTION INVESTMENTS IS A SWEEPING PACKAGE OF CLEAN ENERGY AND CLEAN TRANSPORTATION TAX INCENTIVES that are a game changer for the clean economy in the United States, and a game changer for climate action at home and abroad. The investment in the 10-year tax incentive package will dramatically expand access to clean electricity like solar, electric vehicles, efficiency and electrification improvements for homes and workplaces, and clean manufacturing, forming the backbone of the Build Back Better Act’s climate action and accounting for a major reduction in carbon emissions nearing our national goals. Turbocharging investments in clean electricity, and energy efficiency are key to saving the average household $500 annually in lower energy costs.
The bill’s bold investments in CLEAN ENERGY MANUFACTURING will slash industrial pollution, create good manufacturing jobs, and bolster the supply chains we need for a swift transition to 100% clean energy.
Build Back Better PROTECTS THE COASTAL PLAIN OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE from oil and gas drilling and safeguards the way of life of the Gwich’in people by repealing the provision in the 2017 Tax Act that opened this unique wilderness up for destructive drilling.
ADDITIONAL MAJOR CLIMATE ACTION INVESTMENTS INCLUDE: transportation investments that would expand access to union-built electric vehicles, clean public transit and passenger rail; retrofits of homes and schools to cut pollution and energy costs; a methane emissions reduction program; natural climate solutions that provide protection for communities from heat waves and storms while growing carbon sinks; new investments to slash industrial pollution and boost manufacturing of clean energy goods; and a Civilian Climate Corps that would help communities clean up pollution and adapt to the climate crisis.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INVESTMENTS IN THE BILL WOULD BE EQUALLY HISTORIC, including environmental and climate justice grants, nationwide lead service line replacement, electrification of diesel school buses, funding for cleaning up dirty ports and heavy-duty trucks, community investments to close the nature equity gap, funding for pollution monitoring and cleanup, robust support for equitable and sustainable community development, and increased investments for community engagement under the National Environmental Policy Act.
FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES ABROAD AND AT HOME: Based on estimates from the President’s budget, the Act’s repeal of international fossil fuel subsidies included in the package would represent a potential $86.2 billion in revenue over the next decade. Still, the failure to repeal domestic fossil fuel subsidies is a shortcoming that can and must be addressed by Congress.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.