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

TRENTON, N.J. — 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 New Jersey’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring New Jersey’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.”

New Jerseyans are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Communities are still recovering from Hurricane Ida, the second deadliest storm in state history. Ida killed 27 New Jerseyans and cost the state billions of dollars. Dangerous extreme heat is leading to sky-rocketing energy prices, putting further strain on families, particularly those in low-income communities. Sea levels in New Jersey are expected to rise by as much as another foot by 2030, threatening the near futures of the more than 352,000 New Jerseyans living in coastal communities. 

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in New Jersey and throughout the country. New Jerseyans support the bold climate action and clean energy investments in the Build Back Better Act.

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

• 83% of registered voters in New Jersey support Congress taking  action on climate change.
• 85% of registered voters in New Jersey support making investments to create clean energy jobs.
• 81% of registered voters in New Jersey support expanding clean energy tax credits.

New Jerseyans 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 New Jersey during this most decisive decade for our planet.