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

ATLANTA, Ga. — 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 Georgia’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Georgia’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 good-paying clean energy jobs in Georgia, which has immense untapped solar and offshore wind potential.

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.”

Scott Moskowitz, Director of Public Affairs at Q CELLS America, which runs the Western hemisphere’s largest solar factory in Georgia, released the following statement:

“American solar manufacturers are ready to help America pass the Climate Test and ensure our clean energy future is built at home. We’re at a pivotal moment to accelerate the growth of the clean energy economy and to re-shore every step of the solar supply chain. With the Build Back Better Act, we can make sure that manufacturing workers in Georgia and around the country lead the world in building the clean energy future. The Build Back Better Act has the potential to be transformative—creating millions of clean energy jobs, reducing energy bills, and transforming how we power the planet for generations to come.

Georgia has been hit hard by the climate crisis. This summer alone, three severe storms brought dangerous flash flooding, widespread damage, and power outages to thousands of homes across the state. Dangerous and deadly extreme heat has become the new normal,leading to sky-rocketing energy prices, putting further strain on families, particularly those in low-income communities. 

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Georgia and throughout the country. New polling from Hart Research shows that 64% of registered voters in Georgia support the bold climate action and clean energy investments in the Build Back Better Act.

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

  • 55% of registered voters in Georgia believe that climate policies should be a priority for Congressthis year.
  • 64% of registered voters in Georgia support the complete Build Back Better Act, with more supporting bold investments into clean energy resources.
    • 55% of those polled believe that Congress should spend more or keep the cost of  this legislation the same so that it does more to address important problems
  • 62% of registered voters in Georgia want their Senators to support this legislation.

Georgians 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 Georgia during this most decisive decade for our planet.