Today, Representatives Pete DeFazio (D-OR), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ) introduced the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, a surface transportation reauthorization bill that would build out clean energy transportation infrastructure and create jobs, with an eye towards equity and justice by targeting rural and underserved communities. 

The following is a statement from Stephen Schima, senior legislative council at Earthjustice:

“The INVEST in America Act is a good first step towards building out the transportation infrastructure we need for a zero-emissions, clean energy economy. Among the many inroads the bill makes in investing in a more robust clean energy transportation system, we are pleased to see that it includes funding for electric vehicle charging stations and zero-emission bus grants, as well as provisions for the recycling, reuse, and repurposing of transit vehicle batteries and battery components.

“We were also pleased that the INVEST in America Act largely avoids rollbacks of meaningful public input and environmental review of new transportation projects, as is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA.) This bill honors the fact that people deserve to have a say in projects that impact the health, economy, and environment of their communities. 

“It remains crucial for our people, the environment, and our planet that we invest in bold and sweeping solutions to combat the climate crisis. Marginalized communities throughout the country are already paying the price for our inaction. We thank Representatives DeFazio, Norton, and Payne for their leadership in introducing the INVEST in America Act. Earthjustice looks forward to working with Congress to invest in the ambitious solutions we need to fight the climate crisis and build an equitable and just clean energy economy.”