CLIMATE POWER CALLS BUILD BACK BETTER ACT FRAMEWORK A HISTORIC INVESTMENT FOR ARIZONA’S FUTURE

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Today, the White House and Congressional leadership released its framework agreement for The Build Back Better Act, which includes bold action to meet the Climate Test by putting us on the path to cut pollution in half by 2030. The bill positions the United States to take on the threat of climate change, while putting Arizona’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Arizona’s frontline communities aren’t left behind as the nation builds the next generation of energy. This framework also has the potential to create 99,000 clean energy jobs in Arizona every year for the next decade, while saving families an average of $3,300 dollars a year. 

In response to Congressional Democrats releasing the Build Back Better Act, Lori Lodes, Executive Director for Climate Power, released the following statement:

“This is our climate moment. The historic climate investments in the Build Back Better framework put our nation on the path to cut pollution in half by 2030. It’s a huge opportunity for Congress to take on the climate crisis and make a bold investment in our country’s future. The Build Back Better Act will keep our economy growing by creating millions of good clean-energy jobs. It will lower energy bills for families, invest in the communities who’ve borne the brunt of fossil fuel pollution and put people to work protecting our public lands and waters. 

This is a “code red” moment for humanity and the Build Back Better Act is our best, last chance to tackle the climate crisis and build the clean energy future we need. If we pass the Build Back Better Act and continue to make it a national priority to cut emissions in half by 2030, we will reach President Biden’s ambitious 2030 goal. This truly is our climate moment and it’s up to Congress to deliver for the American people today and for generations to come.”

Billy Parish, the CEO of Mosaic Energy, a clean energy company operating in Arizona, released the following statement:

“Arizonans are living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and it is destroying our communities, burdening our families, and devastating our economy. By investing in clean energy, we can create thousands of good-paying jobs in our state while protecting our iconic landscapes. The investments outlined in this new framework present a clear opportunity for Arizona, and businesses like mine, to continue leading in the clean energy industry, and I encourage Congress to pass this bill and provide a jolt to our economy at the most critical time.”

Arizonans are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Deadly record-breaking temperatures have become the new normal. A historic long-term drought has triggered a water crisis that threatens the water supply of over 40 million people as well as the state economy, crop yields, and Indigenous farming traditions. The combination of severe heat and drought has transformed Arizona into a tinderbox — this year, the state experienced its worst fire season on record, with over 970,000 acres burned in 2,520 wildfires.  

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Arizona and throughout the country. New polling from Hart Research shows that 57% of registered voters in Arizona support the bold climate action and clean energy investments in the Build Back Better Act.

Arizonans know they have among the most to gain — or lose — and they want their leaders to take climate action. Recent polling shows: 

• 57% of registered voters in Arizona support the complete Build Back Better Act, with more supporting bold investments into clean energy resources.
• 61% of registered voters in Arizona believe that Congress should spend more or keep the cost of this legislation the same so that it does more to address important problems.
• 61% of registered voters in Arizona want their Senators to support this legislation.
• 59% of registered voters in Arizona believe that climate policies should be a priority for Congress this year.

Arizonans know ambitious climate action will bring jobs, lower energy costs, less pollution, and a more stable climate for generations to come. This framework is a direct response to those demands for climate action and will serve as a critical foundation for more action on a local and state level in Arizona during this most decisive decade for our planet.