Press Release
August 10, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Stefanie Lao, 424-282-0922, [email protected]
OAKLAND, CA – The California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) released the following statement in response to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the $1 trillion bipartisan package with $550 billion in new federal investments in the country’s infrastructure over the next five years.
With the current package, California would receive billions of dollars to make state infrastructure more climate resilient, modernize public transit systems, and upgrade critical water infrastructure. However, the bill falls short of the original proposed funding in the President’s “Build Back Better” Plan for essential projects such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) clean-up in drinking water and nationwide lead pipe removal.
Statement from Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer, EnviroVoters:
“The bipartisan infrastructure bill is a great first step, but there is a lot missing from this package that is necessary if we want to meet this moment. Wildfire season is here. Communities across the state are burdened with pollution in the air they breathe and the water they drink. Power grids are out-of-date and cannot keep up with current demand.
Californians are dealing with the impacts of the climate crisis right now, and we can’t afford to put off making these critical investments. It is up to our leaders and Congress to meet the moment and fill in the gaps with a robust reconciliation bill that prioritizes more funding for water infrastructure, wildfire prevention, and a swift clean-energy transition that doesn’t leave behind marginalized and underserved communities.”
Polling Data Shows Californians Want Climate Action:
EnviroVoters also conducted a statewide poll this summer regarding voter attitudes towards the climate crisis. The poll reveals that voters throughout the state are deeply concerned about the crisis and want to see the Biden administration take action. Key findings from the poll include:
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69% of those surveyed say it’s important for Congress to address the climate crisis by 2030, including 57% who say it’s very important.
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84% of Californians surveyed support Congress investing funds to make California’s wildfire season less severe.
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84% of those surveyed support Congress investing in clean water infrastructure. 63% of Californians strongly support this investment.
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67% of those surveyed support investing in offshore wind, including 49% who strongly support it.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
