West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that they have agreed to a reconciliation bill that will include $369 billion in investments to decarbonize the economy, assist disadvantaged communities, save people money at the pump and on their electricity bills, create millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs, and enable farmers to be part of the climate solution.
Below is a statement by Johanna Chao Kreilick, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“This breakthrough is incredible news and gives us much needed hope.
“To limit the worst impacts of climate change, we must make rapid progress in transitioning to clean energy and transportation this decade. According to the bill sponsors, this bill should help reduce heat-trapping emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030. That would get us a significant way toward meeting U.S. climate goals.
“With communities reeling from extreme heat, record drought and wildfires right now, this announcement is more than welcome news. It’s a relief. Science and justice must be at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.
“Now let’s get legislation passed as soon as possible and signed into law.”