Conservation Voters of PA

Calls Passage of Infrastructure Package First Step In Achieving Biden Climate Vision

Contact: Anthony Campisi

Anthony@Ceislermedia.com

(215) 821-8657

Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania’s Federal Climate Campaign Manager Kai Mateo issued the following statement in response to Congress’ passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which President Biden signed at a White House ceremony today.

The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill represents an important step toward building a sustainable and equitable future for our state and nation — and must be swiftly followed by passage of the Build Back Better Act.

In Pennsylvania, the infrastructure legislation would provide billions of dollars to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, strengthen our public transit systems and expand Amtrak service to cities like Allentown, Reading and Scranton, stimulating economic development by improving connections to New York City and Philadelphia.

Yet passage of the infrastructure bill represents only the first step toward realizing President Biden’s vision, and House moderates must live up to their commitment to swiftly pass the Build Back Better Act, which would put our nation on a path toward addressing the growing climate crisis by expanding renewable energy and creating a new Civilian Climate Corps — all while creating millions of good-paying union jobs.

Together, these bills will mark a significant step forward for environmental justice as they set out to remove all lead water service lines in the country and invest billions in job training for low-income people and people of color.

Congress must meet the moment and deliver on President Biden’s promises to the American people by passing both pieces of legislation to building out a strong middle class by investing in a sustainable future.