Biden-Harris Build Back Better Plan Calls for Sweeping and Equitable Investments in Clean Energy, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, and Environmental Justice

Later today, President Biden will outline an infrastructure package that proposes substantial investments across a wide range of climate and environmental priorities, including clean energy, electric transportation, energy efficient homes, clean water, and safe drinking water in urban and rural environmental justice communities. The American Jobs Plan incorporates the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 commitment to target 40% of the benefits from investments in climate and infrastructure to disadvantaged communities. 

The following is a statement from Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice:

“As our country faces the intersecting crises of COVID-19, economic inequality, racial and environmental injustice, and climate change, we need bold and equitable solutions that match the scope of these challenges. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundation for a more just and sustainable future by combating the climate crisis and addressing environmental injustice. President Biden’s bold American Jobs Plan puts us on the path to tackle these challenges together. It moves us towards zero-emissions and 100% clean energy by making historic investments in a clean and modern power grid, electric vehicle infrastructure, healthy ports, and energy efficient homes and buildings. It addresses the toxic legacy of fossil fuels and environmental racism by cleaning up pollution in the most impacted communities. It acknowledges all communities have a right to clean water and provides sorely needed funding for water infrastructure, including for the removal of every lead service line in the country. The plan also holds polluters accountable by eliminating billions of dollars in fossil fuel industry subsidies and restoring payments to cover cleanup of toxic sites. And it jumpstarts our economy by creating new jobs in clean energy, natural climate solutions, and pollution clean-up. 

“We look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress to build on this proposal and drive an equitable and sustainable economic recovery that creates millions of good paying union jobs.”