Linda Gray: Vermont delegation has it right

February 3rd, 2022

Late in 2021, Vermont Congressman Peter Welch voted for the Build Back Better Act in the U.S. House because he understood that we cannot wait any longer to invest in clean energy, energy savings, good paying union jobs, and clean air and water for everyone. I want to thank Senators Leahy and Sanders for their support for the Build Back Better Act. We still have the chance to pass vital elements of this bill and residents of Vermont are counting on them to do this.

The Build Back Better Act will save the average family $500 a year on their energy bills, with major investments in energy efficiency and clean energy. Also, it makes vital investments to modernize our economy and create millions of good paying jobs. That means real jobs right here in Vermont. Vermont just adopted a Climate Action Plan. Now we need the federal government to invest in a clean energy future for all.

The Build Back Better Act takes bold steps to dramatically reduce climate pollution for everyone. But it also begins to address decades of unchecked environmental injustice, ensuring at least 40% of the benefits of this bill go to those communities hardest hit by pollution and climate change. 

The stakes could not be higher, this may be our last best shot at real climate action. Representative Welch and Senators Leahy and Sanders understand that we have to respond to this crisis with bold investments in our future – and that we can do it while reducing costs for everyday people and creating millions of good paying jobs. This is a win-win-win for Vermont’s future.

Let’s support Senators Leahy and Sanders in working with their Senate colleagues to ensure we take strong climate action by getting the job done on the Build Back Better Act.

This commentary is by Linda Gray, Vermont Conservation Voters Board, and originally ran in Valley News on Feb. 3, 2022.