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For Immediate Release
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press@justicedemocrats.com, 484-788-2188

Progressives Call For Greater Climate Investment in Biden's Infrastructure Package

"$400 billion on climate spending is woefully inadequate."

WASHINGTON

In response to news about President Biden's infrastructure bill, Justice Democrats executive director, Alexandra Rojas, released the following statement:

"This infrastructure bill could be the Biden administration's last chance to act on climate and upgrade every home, school, mode of transportation, and building in our country to 100% clean energy. The reported $400 billion on climate spending is woefully inadequate in terms of matching the scale of the climate crisis.

"Congressional Democrats have proposed climate legislation that should be included in Biden's package: $500 billion for public transit by Sen. Warren and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, $1.1 trillion to retrofit public schools to 100% clean energy by Rep. Bowman, $454 billion on clean energy cars by Sen. Schumer, $180 billion on public housing by Sen. Sanders and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, and $35 billion to ensure communities have clean water by Rep. Khanna and Rep. Lawrence.

"During the campaign, Biden himself committed to a $2 trillion climate plan but this bill only commits a fraction of that investment. Progressives are also pushing for a Green Bank or National Investment Authority, a Civilian Conservation Corp, and 40% of clean energy investments directed specifically to job growth and infrastructure development in low-income communities and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

"The infrastructure package should also be done in one bill, not two. Republicans have made it clear that they have no intention of working with the President on an infrastructure package. Splitting the bill up in the hopes of getting 60 votes for the first bill will simply waste precious time."

Justice Democrats is recruiting and supporting progressive Democrats all over the country, starting with Congress. We're working to transform the Democratic Party while building independent power. We do this by running primary challengers against out-of-touch Democratic incumbents and organizing to hold the party accountable to our issues.

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