Statement: House Passes Build Back Better Act, Largest Climate Investment in U.S. History
Washington D.C. -- Today the House passed the largest climate investment in U.S. history while making critical investments in family care, health care, and economic growth with $2.2 trillion in approved spending over the next 10 years. The Build Back Better Act is an economic package that will be fully paid for by ensuring that corporations that report over $1 billion in profits pay a 15% minimum tax, multi-millionaires pay a surtax, and through an increase in funding to the IRS to provide necessary funding for it to go after taxes already owed by the highest-earners. These funding sources will not only offset the costs of the Build Back Better Act, but will also help to reduce the deficit.
“The bold investments made through the Build Back Better Act are transformative. We’ve been waiting for our leaders to pass legislation that will do something now to help curb impacts from the climate crisis, which disproportionately affect communities of color. We thank our U.S House of Representatives for working together to lay a strong foundation for rebuilding our economy, and protecting public lands and the health of our communities. While there is still important work that needs to be accomplished, we celebrate this historic step,” said Executive Director, Camilla Simon.
The federal climate investments included in the Build Back Better act would provide the necessary funding to protect forests and watersheds from wildfires, drought impacts, and land and water resources, and mitigate major climate events. “These historic investments will make a difference for people all across the country. Legislation like the Build Back Better Act will protect the landscapes that our communities are deeply connected to while building our economy and prioritizing critical improvements,” shared Policy and Advocacy Manager, José Gaona.
Climate change is a global threat that is impacting all of us at a community level. In the Southwest, we have seen devastating wildfires, extended periods of drought, record heatwaves, the alteration of our watersheds, and the threat of massive flash flooding events resulting from climate-driven changes. The Build Back Better Act would keep communities and natural landscapes safe from the climate-driven impacts that are sweeping the nation today by providing investments that would restore susceptible lands, and create jobs that would protect public lands and wildlife.
We urge the Senate to continue to build on this moment to support the Build Back Better Act to save our communities, landscapes, and watersheds.