The U.S. Senate today passed a $3.5 trillion budget resolution that opens the door for historic investments in key climate and environmental justice programs. This vote kicks off the budget reconciliation process by sending budget instructions to Senate Committees. A similar process will happen in the House once it passes the Budget Resolution.

The following is a statement from Marty Hayden, Vice President of Policy and Legislation at Earthjustice:

“The Senate budget resolution would make historic investments in tackling the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice. It is a critical step to advance President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and meet his commitments to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030 and deliver 40% of climate investments to disadvantaged communities. 

“We are very pleased to see this budget will put the nation on a path to meet the President’s goals of 80% clean energy and 50% economy-wide carbon emission reductions by 2030. Equally important is delivering 40% of these investments to disadvantaged communities. By sending this resolution to the House, the Senate took a key step to advance our nation’s most comprehensive investment package ever to tackle climate change and environmental injustice. It includes funding to accelerate clean energy adoption, advance zero emissions solutions for ports and transportation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, provide clean water access and affordability investments in environmental justice communities, healthy and adequate housing, and restoration and resilience for our lands and waters. 

“This week, a United Nations panel of climate scientists dramatically underscored the urgency of action to preserve a livable planet. We applaud Senate leaders for their commitment to ambitious climate and environmental justice solutions, and we urge the Congress to move swiftly to pass the big, bold, and equitable climate investments needed to meet the moment.”