Climate Power

Menu

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

LANSING, Mich. — 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 Michigan’s clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Michigan’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 Michigan, while simultaneously protecting the existing tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural jobs that hundreds of thousands of Michiganders depend on. 

In response to Congressional Democrats releasing the Build Back Better Act, Lori Lodes, Executive Director for Climate Power, and Michigan leaders released statements of support. 

Lodes noted the historic nature of the framework, saying:

“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.”

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow emphasized how these investments will create jobs that support Michigan families, saying:

“The impacts of climate change are at Michiganders doorsteps now: repeated flooding on highways, in neighborhoods and basements; power outages on the rise, extreme temperature swings that destroy crops, rising water levels taking people’s homes. But now we have the tool we’ve been fighting for in our grasp. The Build Back Better framework will supercharge our already-growing clean energy sector, creating thousands of great jobs. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will empower Michigan to lead on climate resilience and write our own future, powered by electric vehicles, clean energy, and career opportunities that inspire people to help change the world. Congress must act and pass the Build Back Better Act before this moment is gone. Our future is bright, but only if we take it. We can’t wait.” 

Michigan State Representative Abraham Aiyash highlighted the environmental justice impacts, saying:

“My community lives within walking distance of refineries that have polluted our water and air for far too long. The Build Back Better framework would be a game changer for communities that look like mine across the state. These investments can help our Black and Brown communities, move towards environmental justice, transition into a clean energy economy, and bring thousands of good-paying jobs to Detroit and Michigan. This is it — this is the opportunity for our federal government to invest in us. We’re ready to win this fight for all Michiganders, and we must do this now.”

Michiganders are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. This summer, Michiganders was hit week after week by severe storms that flooded communities throughout the state and left hundreds of thousands of residents in the dark for days. In mid-June 2021, almost all of Michigan was under drought conditions — these extreme cycles of flooding and drought threatening Michigan’s robust agriculture industry, which accounts for $104.7 billion of the state’s economy. Michiganders are still experiencing deadly air pollution and some of the worst water contamination in the country, both of which disproportionately harms the health of children and communities of color. 

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Michigan and throughout the country. Recent Yale research found that the majority of Michiganders want the President and Congress to do more to combat the climate crisis. And an overwhelming majority of Michiganders 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 renewables New polling from Data For Progress and Climate Power shows that 63% percent of voters in Michigan’s Eighth Congressional district support the bold climate action and clean energy investments in the Build Back Better Act.

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

  • 82% of registered voters in Michigan support clean energy investments like those included in the Build Back Better Act.
  • 78% of registered voters in Michigan support expanding clean energy tax credits.
  • Climate and clean energy support is a key issue in swing districts:
    • 67% of MI-08 registered voters believe it’s important for Congress to make additional investments along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal that address climate change and extreme weather, create clean energy jobs, and reduce pollution
    • 58% of MI-08 registered voters support the full $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan that would invest in addressing climate change and supporting families.
    • 46% of MI-08 registered voters said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who opposes the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better plan.

Michiganders 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 Michigan during this most decisive decade for our planet.