Climate Power Calls Build Back Better Act Framework A Historic Investment for Colorado’s Future

DENVER, Colo. — 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 Colorado’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Colorado’s frontline communities aren’t left behind as the nation builds the next generation of energy. This framework also has the potential to create thousands of clean energy jobs in Colorado, while simultaneously protecting the existing tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural jobs Coloradans depend on.

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.”

J.W. Postal, the Founder and CEO of Denver-based clean energy company, Nikola Power, issued the following statement:

“Colorado’s cleantech companies are the backbone of our diverse economy. The clean energy investments like those outlined in the Build Back Better Act framework will give our small and large companies the policy certainty to grow and expand. These investments could be a game-changer for Colorado, bringing thousands of new jobs to our state’s already robust clean energy sector. Companies like mine are building cleantech software to drive the transition to a clean energy future. Our Colorado customers, in the public sector, utility, commercial and residential sectors will benefit from these investments, which will have positive ripple effects throughout our state with hard-working families reaping the rewards.”

Coloradans are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. This year, Colorado experienced its worst fire season on record, with scientists warning that climate change will prevent many forests from growing back the same after a wildfire. These deadly wildfires cost the state billions of dollars and forced hundreds families to flee their homes during the pandemic. The megadrought threatens the state’s water supply, with farmers and ranchers especially hard hit. Drought conditions increase and the gets further strained. As temperatures continue rising, the region’s snowpack is shrinking and melting earlier, threatening the state’s outdoor and recreation industry, which supports 229,000 jobs and $28 billion in consumer spending.

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Colorado and throughout the country New polling from Hart Research shows that 59% of registered voters in Colorado support the bold climate action and clean energy investments in the Build Back Better Act.

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

59% of registered voters in Colorado support the complete Build Back Better Act, with more supporting bold investments into clean energy resources.
61% of registered voters in Colorado believe that Congress should spend more or keep the cost of this legislation the same so that it does more to address important problems.
60% of registered voters in Colorado want their Senators to support this legislation.
66% of registered voters in Colorado believe that climate policies should be a priority for Congress this year.

Coloradans 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 Colorado during this most decisive decade for our planet.