NRCM statement by Emmie Theberge
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of the Build Back Better Act, which includes the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history. Below is a statement from Emmie Theberge, Federal Director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, regarding the House’s vote:
“This vital investment in Maine’s future will reduce pollution and create new good-paying jobs by making buses, cars, and trucks cleaner to drive; replacing lead water pipes; updating wastewater and stormwater systems; accelerating new clean energy sources like wind and solar; investing in land conservation and community resilience; and modernizing our buildings to make them healthier and more efficient. It will also deliver sorely needed investments in the social safety net to support struggling families and residents across Maine.
Maine communities can’t address the climate crisis on their own, and that’s why we need our Congressional delegation to support bold climate action now. Together with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was signed into law on Monday, the Build Back Better Act will provide the tools and resources necessary to help Maine achieve its ambitious Climate Action Plan and emissions reduction goals.
We thank Congresswoman Pingree for continuing to demonstrate her leadership on climate action by supporting this important legislation, and we urge Senators Collins and King to push the U.S. Senate to get the bill passed as soon as possible. NRCM is disappointed that Congressman Golden voted against the bill, especially given the climate impacts bearing down on our state and all the relief the bill’s provisions will provide to Maine people, our economy, and environment. We understand that he had concerns about the current version, but when the House has another opportunity to vote on this legislation, we urge Congressman Golden to reconsider his vote and support the Build Back Better Act.”
