It Takes Roots

The infrastructure bill invests in fossil fuels and false solutions that will continue to harm the most vulnerable. The reconciliation bill too is only a start to the recovery we need out of deep overlapping crises we face at this moment.

We need the full package, both the bipartisan bill and the budget reconciliation package, but we need both to be better. We urge Congress to remove harmful investments.

Included in the bipartisan package and the initial House reconciliation budget are *harmful* investments for development and deployment of carbon capture technology, nuclear energy, biofuels of multiple forms, waste incineration, funds to support continued fossil fuel extraction.

The current House budget reconciliation bill includes massive investments that are only on the table because the most impacted communities at the grassroots organized and demanded them. These must be defended.

We need to expand public transit, upgrade school buildings, replace lead pipes, invest in home and community care, expand affordable housing, reduce toxic pollution in communities, advance environmental justice, and ensuring funds go to the most disadvantaged communities.

We have 5 key demands for members of Congress: 1) At a minimum, remove public funding and investments in dirty energy in the draft budget reconciliation bill and the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will devastate and further harm our communities

2) Maintain the highest levels of investment for the deployment of justly-sourced, distributed renewable energy to reduce emissions at the levels required to limit global warming

3) Pass a reconciliation budget that maintains the highest levels of investment for real community-driven solutions — addressing roots causes of the climate crisis

4) Ensure set-asides in all programs to direct at least 50 percent of all program funds and investments to disadvantaged frontline communities, to meet and exceed the goals set forth in the Justice40 Initiative set forth in Executive Order No. 14008

5) Include strong oversight of the full scope of social, economic, and environmental impacts of all investments by the OMB and GAO, including oversight of public funds and the implementation of the Justice40 Initiative, and strong consultation with community stakeholders.