What’s Happening
Today, the Senate passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which would provide billions of dollars for natural climate solutions, energy infrastructure, and clean transportation.
Why It Matters
After months of negotiations, in which Republicans negotiated the total price tag down, the Senate passed a bipartisan infrastructure package 69 – 30. The bill would provide $12.5 billion for carbon capture technology and an additional $2 billion in pipeline funding to transport captured carbon to storage. It also allocates billions of dollars for ecosystem restoration, wildfire protection, and coastal resiliency, all of which are crucial to climate adaptation and mitigation. In the transportation sector, roughly $6 billion dollars are allocated to build out the United State’s electric vehicle charging station infrastructure.
My Take
The green provisions in the infrastructure bill target key areas where the U.S. can protect its environment while creating new jobs. The funding for carbon capture and other clean technologies will help put the U.S. ahead of competitors and achieve its climate goals. Additionally, funding for flood-resiliency and wildfire prevention comes at a crucial time when communities across the country have been plagued by these types of natural disasters. Above all, the Senate passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act proves that good policies can pass on a bipartisan basis in Congress today.
Quote Me On It
“The bipartisan infrastructure package contains important provisions to equip us in our fight against climate change and protect our natural environment. It’s encouraging to see this piece of legislation make it through an evenly-split Senate in such a bipartisan manner.” – VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson