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

HARRISBURG, Penn. — 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 Pennsylvania’s already robust clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reducing costs for families, and ensuring Pennsylvania’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.”

Pennsylvanians are already experiencing the first-hand effects of the climate crisis as they recover from the $100 million worth of damages that remnants of Hurricane Ida brought while facing devastating droughts in rural areas. In the past decade alone, the state has faced 31 billion-dollar climate-related disasters responsible for $200 billion dollars’ worth of damages. Pennsylvania’s cities continue to see record-breaking temperatures, with Philadelphia being the 17th fastest warming city in the United States.

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Recent polling shows that 70% of likely voters in Pennsylvania support the Build Back Better Act.

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

• 66% of Pennsylvania likely voters support the clean energy investments in the Build Back Better plan.
• 81% of registered  voters in Pennsylvania support making investments to create clean energy jobs.
• 77% of registered voters in Pennsylvania support expanding clean energy tax credits.
• 78% of registered voters in Pennsylvania support Congress taking action on climate change.

Pennsylvanians 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 Pennsylvania during this most decisive decade for our planet.