In La Crosse, Wisconsin, last week, Biden
highlighted projects that would get more
money from the bipartisan bill, such as hybrid
buses and road repair equipment. And the
White House says climate considerations will be
a key part of a plan for infrastructure, jobs and
education that would be determined solely by
Democrats through a “budget reconciliation”
process in Congress.
Activists say the bipartisan framework falls short
on nearly every important climate commitment
Biden laid out in his initial proposal in the
spring, including energy upgrades for buildings,
a Civilian Climate Corps and massive spending
on environmental justice.
The White House, saying it is holding firm
on Biden’s ideas, released a memo last week
reaffirming its commitment to bolster the
electric vehicle market, make buildings and
property more resilient to harsh weather
patterns and ensure the country’s electrical grid
becomes carbon-free by 2035.
Environmental groups say that is not enough.
“This is a historic, narrow opportunity to
combat the climate crisis, and we can’t afford
to kick the can down the road any further,”
said Lauren Maunus, advocacy director for the
Sunrise Movement, another environmental
group. “When Democrats agree to water it
down more, they’re condemning Americans to
untold devastation.”
The push on climate comes as some on the left
express disappointment at several recent Biden
administration actions on the environment.
While generally supportive of Biden’s approach,
environmentalists are troubled by decisions to