Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- House leadership announced a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill today that would separate it from voting on the Build Back Better Act, a bill with unprecedented levels of investment in climate action, clean energy jobs, and environmental justice.
The Sierra Club continues to support the position of the Congressional Progressive Caucus that the Build Back Better Act must move in tandem with the bipartisan bill. A premature vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill today, without House passage of the Build Back Better Act, would undermine President Biden’s own climate commitments.
TO GET TO “YES” ON CLIMATE, THE SIERRA CLUB URGES MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE TO VOTE “NO” ON THE BIPARTISAN BILL UNTIL IT MOVES IN TANDEM WITH THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT.
In Response, Sierra Club Living Economy Program Director Ben Beachy Released the Following Statement:
“On its own, the bipartisan infrastructure deal fails to provide sorely needed investments to combat the worsening climate crisis, systemic racism, and economic inequity. House members must continue to put climate action first and vote NO on the bipartisan infrastructure bill if it is brought to the floor today without House passage of the Build Back Better Act. Both bills must move together.
“Ensuring that the bipartisan bill moves alongside the Build Back Better Act is the only pathway to ultimate passage of the investments our communities need to create a more just, healthy, and equitable future for all.”
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE BIPARTISAN BILL:
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The bipartisan bill contains numerous flaws, as well as actively harmful provisions, and does not meaningfully tackle the climate crisis, which is the number one need of any infrastructure legislation.
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While the bill invests in some important programs, it fails to meet this crucial moment. The package provides inadequate funding for climate action, clean air and water, the creation of good jobs, and racial, economic, and environmental justice.
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Some provisions in the bipartisan deal would actively cause harm by supporting fossil fuels, harming frontline and Tribal communities, endangering the health of forests and public lands, and undermining hard-fought protections for clean air and water and environmental justice.
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Sierra Club’s full analysis of the bipartisan deal can be found here.
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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.