“Hispanic Access Foundation applauds today’s vote to pass the historic Build Back Better Act, which not only includes significant investments in climate and clean energy, but also looks to create jobs and opportunities for all. The historic $555 billion investment is the largest effort to combat the climate crisis in American history.

“From its root causes to end results, the climate crisis has harmed Latinos and other communities of color disproportionately. From on- and offshore drilling that overwhelmingly pollutes our communities, to the burning of oil and gas on our highways and power plants located disproportionately close to neighborhoods of color, to the storms, drought, extreme heat, and out-of-control wildfires caused by increasing global temperatures – our communities are impacted at every step, and our health is at risk.

We hope the framework’s focus on resilience investments, including addressing extreme weather, pollution in low-income communities, the Civilian Climate Corps, natural climate solutions, and funding for a Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator, will help address the disparities Latino communities face.

“Now, we look to the Senate to push the Build Back Better Act to the finish line and fix this system with bold action, before our climate and our families suffer even more consequences.”

In January of this year, President Biden signed an executive order to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. If the Build Back Better Act is passed by the Senate, it will provide all the tools needed to achieve a 50-52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.