Senate Budget Resolution Focuses on Climate, Nature

The fiscal year 2022 budget resolution introduced in the U.S. Senate today will allow a series of major initiatives to address climate change and conservation needs across the country.

The budget framework includes critical investments and new tax incentives to spur the growth of carbon-free energy, energy efficiency and zero-emission vehicles. It would also fund a Civilian Climate Corps and invest in agricultural practices, forestry and other natural systems to increase carbon sequestration, improve community resilience and prevent wildfires. 

These investments—including the Civilian Climate Corps and a new funding mechanism for community solar and other climate-friendly technologies called the Clean Energy Technology Accelerator—would create new employment opportunities at the national, state and local level. They would also accelerate the deployment of clean energy and advance resilience work addressing climate impacts across the United States.

The proposed Clean Energy Payment Program, in conjunction with new fees on methane emissions and imports of carbon-intensive products, will accelerate emission reductions and drive energy innovation in the United States and around the globe. The proposal would also advance investments related to environmental justice, including clean water access and affordability, climate equity and healthy ports.

The following is a statement by Kameran Onley, director of North American policy and government relations:

“The budget resolution’s emphasis on tackling the climate crisis and investing in nature is a recognition of the immense challenges facing our planet. The devastating impacts of climate change and global biodiversity loss, evident around the world and falling hardest on vulnerable communities, demand substantive, immediate action. We’re pleased to see the emphasis on obtaining real carbon emissions reductions in the energy and transportation sectors, driving investments toward frontline communities and harnessing the capacity of farms, forests and our natural systems to store carbon.”

“Investing in solutions that help reduce emissions, enhance community resilience and reduce wildfire, flood and drought risks will not only support a healthier natural world, they will create jobs, build local economies and improve public health. Now is the time to get these things done, and we urge Congress to advance these proposals.”