Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Gets House Approval
Legislation including major investments in clean energy, resilience and conservation heads to President Biden to be signed into law
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Heather Layman
The Nature Conservancy
Email: hlayman@tnc.org
The following is a statement by Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, after the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Senate-passed $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package that includes significant investments in clean energy, conservation and natural infrastructure:
“We have no more time to lose. The twin climate and biodiversity crises, the pandemic and deteriorating infrastructure require a comprehensive, substantial and swift response. Today, the U.S. Congress made it clear: it’s time to get to work. With its investments in natural infrastructure and transitioning to clean energy, this unprecedented, bipartisan infrastructure package will help create jobs and move the country toward a more resilient, prosperous future.
With its investments in natural infrastructure and transitioning to clean energy, this unprecedented, bipartisan infrastructure package will help create jobs and move the country toward a more resilient, prosperous future.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
Nature and Climate Are Our Most Fundamental Infrastructure
Read Lynn Scarlett's Blog“Nature is the cornerstone of the country's infrastructure, and the future of our roads, bridges and communities is inextricably linked to the state of our lands and waters. The bill’s support for nature-based solutions like investing in healthy forests and restoring wetlands will help the country’s infrastructure last longer, work better and be more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.
“Likewise, our future will depend on how we respond to the climate crisis. With its significant investments in clean transportation, grid modernization, energy efficiency and new technologies, this bill is a great starting point for the transition to a clean energy economy.
“These are all investments with a proven track record of benefiting nature and communities alike. They are critical to a strong economy, a healthy population and a sustainable, resilient natural world.
“We commend lawmakers for recognizing the importance of these investments and working together to get this done for the good of the nation. We look forward to seeing this bill enacted and implemented quickly. We must also get right back to work on additional legislation to do even more to address the climate crisis, so we look forward to continuing to work with Congress on opportunities for significant climate action such as those being considered for the reconciliation package.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 76 countries and territories—37 by direct conservation impact and 39 through partners—we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
Explore Further
The bipartisan infrastructure bill can help fight climate change and protect other resources that support all life on earth.
While nothing is final and intense negotiations are ongoing, the Build Back Better legislation would enable the United States to meet its stated goal of reducing emissions 50% by 2030.
State polling by The Nature Conservancy reveals that Americans like what an infrastructure bill can provide for tackling climate change.