Sunrise Movement Responds to Fight for Climate in Reconciliation: We Cannot Compromise on Our Outcomes and Goals

Following news that Democrats are looking for an alternative to the Clean Energy Performance Program, Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement, released the following statement:

"Right now, as politicians determine whether our futures are worth fighting for, the climate movement, and the country, is facing a reckoning. Five young people are risking their lives, one as young as 18, hunger striking indefinitely in front of the White House, fighting to pass the full scope of Biden's climate agenda. Workers across the country are striking, demanding better wages and working conditions. People have had enough and need action now.

"The stakes of passing a bold climate agenda have never been higher. This past summer alone we've experienced record heat waves, wildfires, storms and floods that have devastated communities across the country, resulting in countless lives lost and families left in shambles. It's bullshit that Joe Manchin, someone who is bought by the fossil fuel industry, is in charge of creating the nation's climate and energy policy. Joe Biden can't let Joe Manchin derail his shot of passing his climate agenda, the very same agenda he was elected on.

"We need a fully funded Civilian Climate Corps, so people can work to combat the climate crisis in their own communities. We must reduce our carbon emissions at least in half by 2030, and transition to 100% clean electricity by 2035 so future generations can live. This is already a compromise from what science demands of the US. We need bold investments in environmental justice so marginalized communities and those on the frontlines of the climate crisis can have clean air and water. We cannot compromise on our outcomes and goals. Joe Biden and Congress must pass a climate and jobs package that meets the moment that we're in. Anything less than that is a failure to us, and future generations."

Mass protests around climate and the full passage of Biden's climate and jobs agenda began this month with continued protests and bird dogging in D.C. by People's Watch, People v. Fossil Fuels, and The Hunger Strike for Climate Justice. Today, Sunrise hosted a solidarity rally to support the Hunger Strikers in front of the White House. These demonstrations illustrate the broad support for climate action at the scale of the climate crisis.