This time of year, there’s inevitably a lot of talk about resolutions. Many of us commit to make big changes for our health, to pursue a new career, maybe to save money.
We were supposed to finish 2021 and kick off 2022 with the Senate passing the Build Back Better Act—a bill that would be a historic step toward America’s clean energy future, with smart investments that will create millions of new jobs, advance environmental justice, drive down energy bills, and reduce climate pollution.
But now, President Biden faces a defining test of leadership as Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) recently announced he would vote no on the Build Back Better Act, citing, in part, concerns that he could not justify it to voters in West Virginia. This is at odds with polls showing that BBBA is popular across the country, including in his home state, and with analysis showing that West Virginians would reap substantial benefits from the bill.
When future generations look back on this presidency, will they remember a President Biden who fought to ensure a liveable future?
President Biden and Leader Schumer must get it done and deliver the climate investments in the Build Back Better Act now. Here’s why.