The planet is in peril. We're building Congress's strongest-ever climate bill

[Donkees]

More than any other legislation in US history it will transform our energy system away from fossil fuels and into sustainable energy

Bernie Sanders
Wed 18 Aug 2021


Excerpt:

Let me be honest in telling you that this reconciliation bill, the final details of which are still being written, will not do everything that needs to be done to combat climate change. But by investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the reduction of carbon emissions it will be a significant step forward and will set an example for what other countries should be doing.

Here are some of the proposals that are currently in the bill:

Massive investments in retrofitting homes and buildings to save energy.

Massive investment in the production of wind, solar and other forms of sustainable energy.

A major move toward the electrification of transportation, including generous rebates to enable working families to buy electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.

Major investments in greener agriculture.

Major investments in climate resiliency and ecosystem recovery projects.

Major investments in water and environmental justice.

Major investments in research and development for sustainable energy and battery storage.

Billions to address the warming and acidification of oceans and the needs of coastal communities.

The Budget Resolution that allows us to move forward on this ambitious legislation was passed last Wednesday at 4am, by a vote of 50-49 after 14 hours of debate. No Republican supported it, and no Republican will support the reconciliation bill. In fact, Republicans have been shamefully absent from serious discussions about the climate emergency.

That means that we must demand that every Democrat supports a reconciliation bill that is strong on solutions to the climate crisis. No wavering. No watering down. This is the moment. Our children and grandchildren are depending upon us. The future of the planet is at stake.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/18/planet-peril-congress-reconciliation-climate-bill

[Donkees]

1. 'Unfortunately, this is our new reality...'

In the past, the disasters we are seeing around the world might have seemed like an absurd plot in some apocalypse movie. Unfortunately, this is our new reality, and it will only get much worse in years to come if we do not act boldly – now.

Link to tweet

[MineralMan]

2. If only he were a Democrat...

Maybe other Democrats would listen to him...

But, no.

[Elessar Zappa]

3. Good letter.

Climate change has to be our number one priority.