Press Releases

LCV Statement on Senate Appropriations Committee Release of Interior-Environment, Commerce-Justice-Science, Transportation-Housing-Urban Development, and Six Other FY22 Annual Appropriations Bills

Oct 18, 2021

Contact: Emily Samsel, esamsel@lcv.org, 828-713-9647

Washington, D.C. — In response to the introduction of the remaining nine annual FY22 appropriations bills including the bills on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Senior Director of Government Affairs Matthew Davis:

“Senate Appropriations Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and his Subcommittee Chairs deserve high praise for their pro-environment, climate, and justice funding bills released today. These ambitious FY22 appropriations bills are further evidence that Democrats are leading the way on fighting the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, and safeguarding our communities and public spaces all while creating good-paying jobs.

“These bills would adequately fund the Environmental Protection Agency and Park Service, among other federal agencies, to reverse more than a decade of underinvestment and thousands of staff positions lost and make sure these agencies can deliver on their missions to protect human health and the environment and preserve the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system, respectively.

Among other critical investments these bills would:

  • establish a Civilian Climate Corps,
  • support management of our national monuments,
  • tackle harmful toxics like PFAS and lead in our nation’s water supply,
  • fund tribal climate resiliency programs,
  • boost environmental justice grants,
  • expand clean air and enforcement programs,
  • increase clean water infrastructure grants,
  • and invest in programs that promote zero emission vehicles.

“These bills also rescind funding for President Trump’s destructive, racist border wall and put an end to years of harmful legacy riders that have damaged our environment, health, and democracy. President Biden will need fully-funded agencies to implement critical existing programs and the transformational Build Back Better Act, and we look forward to working with House and Senate leaders to get all of these bills passed and signed into law.”

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