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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 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 Florida’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Florida’s frontline communities aren’t left behind as the nation builds the next generation of energy. 

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.”

Floridians are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis, from tropical storms Elsa and Fred each causing more than 20,000 power outages and severely damaging homes  to record-breaking temperatures that are driving up energy costs and sending thousands of Floridians to the emergency room each year. 

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Florida and throughout the country. Recent Yale research found that the majority of Floridians want the President and Congress to do more to combat the climate crisis. An overwhelming majority of Floridians support bold policy changes such as regulating carbon emissions as pollutants, tax rebates for energy efficient vehicles or solar panels, and increased funding for research into clean energy.

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

• 80% of registered voters in Florida support making investments to create jobs in clean energy.
• 76% of registered voters in Florida support expanding clean energy tax credits.
• 76% of registered voters in Florida support Congress taking action on climate change.
• 69% of registered voters in Florida’s Seventh Congressional District believe it’s important for Congress to make additional investments, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, to address climate change and extreme weather, create clean energy jobs, and reduce pollution.
• 66% of registered voters in Florida’s Seventh Congressional District support the full $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan that would invest in addressing climate change and supporting families.
  • 55% of registered voters in this district said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who opposes the Build Back Better plan.

Floridians 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 Florida during this most decisive decade for our planet.