Urge Congress to Tackle Climate Change in Budget Reconciliation

From Conservation Voters of PA (http://www.conservationpa.org):

This week, the Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that invests just a fraction of what we need to address the climate crisis and support the frontline communities who carry the greatest burden from climate change and pollution, including communities of color and communities of low wealth.

This is a make-or-break moment. Whether Congress immediately moves a budget reconciliation package that matches the scale of the climate and environmental justice crises we face depends on the actions we take right now.

Please sign Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania’s petition to tell your members of Congress that the time is now to tackle climate change at https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/forms/sign-now-demand-congress-to-pass-meaningful-and-bold-climate-legislation.

The bipartisan infrastructure package makes some necessary investments, but it doesn’t meet the moment on climate or justice. Take greener school buses. The bipartisan bill calls for $2.5 billion for electric school buses. That sounds like a lot of money, but it’s only enough to replace about 4 percent of the 500,000 largely diesel-powered school buses in service across the country.

This isn’t about making the perfect the enemy of the good. Last month, Pennsylvanians across the state breathed dangerous air for days caused by fires that were burning 2,500 miles away. Constant fires, dangerous heat waves, and more intense and frequent storms are already happening and will get worse if we don’t go all in now.

Here’s what we’re calling for. Targeting at least 40% of investments to communities of color and low-income communities that have borne the brunt of fossil fuel pollution. A power sector that’s fueled by 100% clean electricity by 2035. The replacement of 100% of lead pipes in our water systems. A Civilian Climate Corps that put 500,000 Americans to work on projects to build climate resilience and natural infrastructure.

We can accomplish these goals if Congress hears from you. Add your name and send a message right now urging your members of Congress to make the kind of investments we need on climate, jobs, and justice to protect our children’s future.