Washington, DC — In response to President Biden’s announcement of the Build Back Better Framework, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund provided the following statement.
The following quote can be attributed in full or in part to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Today, after thousands of Ohioans and millions across the nation called, knocked on doors, and demanded action, the President has finally announced a framework with the strongest action the United States has ever taken to combat the climate crisis.
“This framework represents years of work from frontline communities, environmental advocates, and labor unions to put the U.S. on the path to cutting our climate pollution in half by 2030, invest directly in communities of color too often left behind, and create good-paying union jobs.
“In addition to bold clean energy investments, this framework also provides substantial investments to strengthen our natural defenses that will make our landscapes more climate resilient by utilizing wetlands, forestry, and other measures. In a water-rich state like Ohio we need to make our landscapes more resilient to the impacts of climate change affecting our waterways and stressing our aging water infrastructure.
“This is a historic day for people and the planet. Congress must swiftly pass the Build Back Better Act and send it to President Biden to sign into law. We expect Ohio’s delegation to support this framework because it improves the lives of every Ohioan and our environment.”
BUILD BACK BETTER BACKGROUND INFORMATION FROM WHITE HOUSE
In a briefing from the White House, the Biden Administration shared more about investments in clean energy and combating climate change:
Clean Energy Tax Credits ($320 billion): Ten-year expanded tax credits for utility-scale and residential clean energy, transmission and storage, clean passenger and commercial vehicles, and clean energy manufacturing.
Resilience Investments ($105 billion): Investments and incentives to address extreme weather (wildfires, droughts, and hurricanes, including in forestry, wetlands, and agriculture), legacy pollution in communities, and a Civilian Climate Corps.
Investments and Incentives for Clean Energy Technology, Manufacturing, and Supply Chains ($110 billion): Targeted incentives to spur new domestic supply chains and technologies, like solar, batteries, and advanced materials, while boosting the competitiveness of existing industries, like steel, cement, and aluminum.
Clean Energy procurement ($20 billion): Provide incentives for the government to be purchaser of next gen technologies, including long-duration storage, small modular reactors, and clean construction materials.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON OHIO NEEDS
Renewable energy infrastructure and water investments are a key part of the American Jobs Plan and are currently under debate in Congress. According to Clean Jobs Midwest, clean energy companies employed 103,400 Ohioans in every corner of our state in 2020, but there is potential for more growth in energy efficiency and renewable energy jobs.
The American Society of Civil Engineers recently rated Ohio wastewater infrastructure a C-, and both our stormwater and our drinking water infrastructure with a D+, citing the need for additional investments to address new water quality challenges and to increase infrastructure reliability and resilience."
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy. Learn more at www.theoecactionfund.org.
Questions? Please contact ebacha<at>theoec.org.