The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), one piece of the president’s agenda to build back better that includes investments to repair and modernize America’s surface transportation systems and funding to reclaim abandoned mine lands. Following the passage of the bill, the BlueGreen Alliance released a statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh. 

The Biden administration today released a whole-of-government strategy to cut methane emissions. The strategy acknowledges the impact of methane emissions on climate change and on the health and safety of local communities and lays out a sector-by-sector roadmap to address these impacts while reducing emissions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its methane rule for new oil and gas facilities. The rule will prevent unnecessary and harmful methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.

The BlueGreen Alliance appreciates the opportunity to submit these comments to inform the preparation by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the review of a construction and operations plan (COP) submitted by Atlantic Shores. The expeditious permitting of this project is critical to meet New Jersey’s ambitious goal of 7,500 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035.

The White House and Congressional leaders today announced an agreement has been reached on a budget reconciliation framework that includes significant investments in manufacturing, clean energy, and the care economy.

Recent reporting on the potential Build Back Better deal has indicated that investments in America’s industrial sector to reduce emissions will be included in the package.

In a new letter to Senate Majority Leader Shumer (D-NY) and Chair Wyden (D-OR) members of the BlueGreen Alliance urged them to ensure the budget reconciliation package includes targeted funding for dislocated energy workers. The letter said, “America’s energy transition is well underway, but a transition that is fair for workers and communities isn’t something that will happen organically. Prioritizing and targeting federal resources to workers and communities in places impacted by this shift must be a deliberate choice.”

The BlueGreen Alliance today was joined by keynote speaker U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) for a virtual panel discussion on how the Build Back Better plan will help to revitalize American manufacturing and provide benefits to working families and manufacturing communities nationwide. 

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the BlueGreen Alliance today were joined by officials from the Eau Claire City Council; La Crosse County Board; Wisconsin Conservation Voters; the United Association Union of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA); and Wisconsin Environment for a virtual press briefing on the need for federal investment to ensure all Wisconsinites have access to clean drinking water.

Serious action to address climate change and strengthen the U.S. economy for all requires substantial investment in rebuilding our manufacturing sector in ways that will deeply reduce emissions while building domestic supply chains and creating and protecting good jobs for workers and communities across the nation.

The White House today released climate adaptation and resilience plans for 23 federal agencies. The plans includes efforts to develop a more resilient supply chain; enhance protections for workers and communities; build a more equitable future; safeguard federal investments; and create leadership and accountability structures to ensure that these actions are led from the top.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 794 today, which will put California on track to meet bold zero-emission vehicle goals and advance the cause of economic justice for exploited truck drivers in the state.