Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- With the Senate back in session and communities’ need for investments only growing stronger every day, it’s time for senators to pass the Build Back Better Act.
Weeks ago, the House approved the historic bill. Now all eyes turn to the Senate to seal the deal and provide funding for more than 130 programs that would invest nearly $600 billion in climate action, clean energy jobs, and environmental justice. The tangible, real-world benefits of the Build Back Better Act to people across the country are vast, unprecedented, and sorely needed.
The Sierra Club urges President Biden to swiftly deliver on his promise that all Democratic senators will vote YES on this bill, passage of which will go a long way toward fulfilling his commitment to cut U.S. climate pollution in half by 2030.
In Response, Sierra Club Living Economy Program Director Ben Beachy Released the Following Statement:
“After fighting for years for clean water, good jobs, and a livable climate, communities across the country have a clear message for the Senate: Pass the full Build Back Better Act without delay. For too long, families have suffered from the interlocking crises of climate change, economic insecurity, and racial and environmental injustice. For too long, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities in polluted neighborhoods have fought to breathe clean air and drink clean water. For too long, workers have clamored for safe jobs with family-sustaining wages and union benefits. For too long, families have sought protections from the intensifying storms, floods, droughts, wildfires, and other climate hazards we face.
“The Senate can make 2021 the year that we turned the corner on the climate crisis by passing the Build Back Better Act this month. We’re counting on President Biden to help seal this historic deal now, so that 5 million families can replace toxic lead pipes, 60,000 school buses’ worth of children can breathe cleaner air, 800,000 people in public housing can enjoy healthier living conditions, millions of workers can get family-sustaining clean energy jobs, and our children can hope for a livable climate. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”
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.