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Late last year, Democrats did the hard work of negotiating the terms of a $555 billion climate package as part of the seemingly-now-defunct Build Back Better Act. Although the larger package was canceled, there is still some consensus on the climate investments. However, we are not closer to passing it than in December.
It is easy to get caught up in the twists and turns of Sen. Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinAmerica can restore its energy jobs — and reduce emissions Democrats plan strategy to defy the expectations and limit midterm losses Biden pays a visit to elementary school to celebrate the anniversary of American Rescue Plan Continue reading’s (D-W.Va.) support, this is not just about one senator. The Biden administration and every member of Congress—in both parties—has fallen down on the responsibility to prioritize, finalize, and pass desperately needed climate legislation. Despite the fact that the climate crisis is becoming more severe each year, Democrats seem to lack the urgency to act to reduce its effects.
While climate change has an impact on every sector of our economy and lives, the outdoor recreation community is first to see its effects on public lands. The Forest Service is closing our national forests across the region because of wildfire danger. Extreme heatwaves make it impossible to go outside. Record-low snowfall has decimated ski seasons. Warming rivers are transforming fishing and killing fish. The outdoor industry is more important than the oil and gas industries in terms of its contribution to the GDP and employment. Climate change is a serious threat.
It’s over. Congress spent months negotiating terms for a climate funding program last fall. It includes crucial investments in wildfire mitigation. Land protections, climate resilience, climate resilience, and jobs to address access and economic growth through a Civilian Climate Corps. These priorities will make a significant difference in protecting local communities as well as improving the accessibility and resilience of outdoor spaces that Americans cherish. These crucial investments are being hampered by the inability of Congress and the Administration to lead.
More news is being reported about the urgency of climate crisis, including the horrifying recent report by the IPCC. The In 2021, the United States spent $145 billion on climate catastrophesThe forecast for the future is that taxpayer dollars will continue to be spent on cleaning up these predictable and anticipated emergencies, rather than trying to prevent them.
The negotiations have come too far not to get to yes, especially given the urgency of addressing the climate crisis before it’s too late. Each year it becomes more difficult and more costly to stop the harmful effects of climate change. We have the chance to make a difference now in mitigating the effects on the planet.
It is high time Congress took action to protect our planet, the outdoor recreation business, and the climate.
Louis Geltman is the policy director for Outdoor Alliance, a national coalition of organizations. Shoren Brown is the executive director of The Conservation Alliance.
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