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

MADISON, Wisc. — Today, the White House and Congressional leadership released its framework 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 will tackle climate change, put Wisconsin’s clean energy industry into hyperdrive, reduce costs for families, and ensure Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin, while simultaneously protecting the existing tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural jobs Wisconsinites depend on. 

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.”

Wisconsinites are already experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Extreme heat, droughts, and major flooding have devastated crops and livestock, hurting farmers economically at a time when they’re already struggling. The severe drought also fueled one of the worst wildfire seasons in Wisconsin history — more acres burned in the first four months of this year than in all of last year. Severe storms, extreme wind, and flooding damaged communities and left many residents without power for days. 

The devastation from these climate catastrophes has caused public demand for climate action to grow into a leading issue in Wisconsin and throughout the country. Recent Yale research found that the majority of Wisconsinites want the President and Congress to do more to combat the climate crisis. And an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites 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

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

• 77% of registered voters in Wisconsin support investments in clean energy jobs.
• 73% of registered voters in Wisconsin support expanding clean energy tax credits. 
• 73% of registered voters in Wisconsin support Congressional action on the climate crisis.
  

The majority of Wisconsinites 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 Wisconsin.