With Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, Senate Must Now Take Bold Climate Action in Reconciliation

The U.S. Cannot Build Back Better Without Robust Climate Investments in Reconciliation

Today, Evergreen Executive Director Jamal Raad released the following statement on the Senate passage of the bipartisan infrastructure deal: 

“The bipartisan infrastructure deal is not, nor has it ever been, a climate bill. While this deal includes important measures, over 30 Senate and House Democrats have made it clear that bold climate action is non-negotiable in any infrastructure package. To fulfill President Biden’s promise to deliver the equitable and thriving clean energy economy that the American people voted for, Democrats must act immediately to advance ambitious climate investments in the reconciliation package. 

“We applaud Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi for their commitment to wait to advance the bipartisan infrastructure deal until after the Senate has passed their reconciliation package. Americans across the country are quite literally feeling the heat—from stronger flooding and hurricanes, to deadlier wildfires and droughts—it’s clear lawmakers can’t afford to burn time they don’t have. Democrats must move swiftly on a reconciliation bill that cuts carbon pollution at the scale and scope of the crisis.”

Evergreen Action has called for a reconciliation package with 6 key climate investments: 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. 

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