Inflation Reduction Act puts $60B focus on a Biden priority: environmental justice

The massive economic and climate package passed Friday by House Democrats includes $60 billion for so-called environmental justice priorities, and White House

The massive economic and climate package passed Friday by House Democrats includes $60 billion for so-called environmental justice priorities, and White House officials are pledging that economically disadvantaged communities grappling with pollution and health disparities will have a clear line to that money.

The Biden administration said there will be a "regular drum beat" push to promote several initiatives. Those include a block grant program, another to target pollution in port communities, as well as a "neighborhood access and equity grant" for improving transportation and air quality. Other environmental initiatives in the bill are investing in clean energy and sustainability projects that focus on disadvantaged communities, and providing dedicated funding for tribal nations, many of whom must combat the effects of climate change and extreme drought on their lands.

"I ran for office on a bold climate agenda that would deliver justice to communities facing legacy pollution and hurting the most from climate change. Today, the Inflation Reduction Act delivers on that vision to advance environmental justice and economic opportunity," President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding, "Together, we are defeating the special interests who have blocked progress for decades — and finally bringing along the communities that have been left behind for too long."

The legislation is being touted by Democrats for including the largest single investment to fight climate change as well as lower carbon emissions — at a cost of roughly $370 billion. Republicans have unanimously opposed the bill, which also seeks to reduce the deficit and tamp down inflation through corporate tax increases and prescription drug savings.

Ali Zaidi, the White House's deputy national climate adviser, said the environmental justice aspect builds on Biden's campaign to make the issue a core pillar of his administration, and his broader agenda to put the power and decision-making back into the hands of communities. The goal is to help neighborhoods clean up decades of legacy pollutants and be economically vibrant.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/inflation-reduction-act-puts-60b-focus-biden-priority-environmental-ju-rcna42891


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Updated: 1 year ago
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