Lawmakers Must Push Forward Reconciliation with Eye to Clean Energy Future

Following the passage of Senate Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget resolution, Evergreen Action Executive Director Jamal Raad released the following statement:

“Today’s vote is a critical milestone on the path to build back better and defeat the climate crisis, but now is when the rubber truly meets the road. From a clean electricity payment program that fulfills the goals of a clean electricity standard and a Civilian Climate Corps, to critical investments in environmental justice and clean energy tax incentives, we cannot afford to waste this once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass bold climate action. As the process continues, lawmakers must ensure the final bill sets us on course to achieve President Biden’s ambitious climate commitments and create millions of new jobs in America’s clean energy economy.”

Evergreen Action has called for a reconciliation package with 6 key climate investments that were not included in the bipartisan infrastructure deal, and that need to be in the budget reconciliation legislation: a clean electricity payment program that fulfills the goals of a clean electricity standard, long-term clean energy tax credits, a Civilian Climate Corps, investments in environmental justice, more funding for clean infrastructure and manufacturing, and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies.