Press Releases

LCV, Chispa Statements on Introduction of CLEAN Future Act

Mar 2, 2021

Contact: Emily Samsel, emily_samsel@lcv.org, 828-713-9647 | Pita Juarez, pjuarez@lcv.org, 602-413-4421

Washington, D.C. — In response to Chairmen Pallone, Tonko, and Rush’s introduction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s CLEAN Future Act, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements:

“We commend Chairmen Pallone, Tonko and Rush for putting forth the first comprehensive climate bill in a decade. We appreciate the increased ambition in the CLEAN Future Act, especially the focus on reaching 100% clean electricity by 2035 and the investment of $25 billion over the next decade in clean electric school buses with a focus on targeting investments in Black, Indigenous and communities of color and low income communities most harmed by toxic pollution,” said LCV Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo. “We look forward to digging into this comprehensive legislation and working with the Energy & Commerce committee as they refine and advance this legislation. We must tackle the climate crisis at the scale and pace required in a manner that addresses racial and social inequality, centers environmental justice and creates good, family-sustaining, union jobs.”

“We applaud Representatives Hayes and Cárdenas for this bold investment to accelerate the transition of the nation’s fleet from dirty, diesel-fueled school buses to zero-emission, electric school buses,” said Chispa National Director Johana Vicente. “Investing $25 billion to help 25 million children riding school buses breathe cleaner air in the formative years when their lungs are developing will make a big difference in their lives. Directing significant portions of this funding to low-income communities of color, who face the worst effects of environmental pollution, will ensure that we are addressing the needs of impacted communities first. After years of parents, students, and advocates organizing for a clean ride for kids, we are excited to work with Congress to pass funding to bring more electric school buses to communities throughout the country.”

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