Blog: Arizonans Deserve Bold Legislation to Mitigate Climate Crisis
The United States has been experiencing unprecedented times – from the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the health of Americans and leaving thousands without jobs, to extreme weather events amplified by climate change like wildfires, our livelihoods are on the line. During this tumultuous time, it is critical that our communities are protected from climate change impacts, that our economy is fortified via the introduction of jobs that would help to mitigate the effects of climate change, and that our existing infrastructure system is improved.
Currently, Congress is trying to pass two of the strongest pieces of legislation that have the potential to cut 50% of all greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2030, and that would improve and expand upon the infrastructure systems that America desperately needs. Both pieces of legislation work in tandem to address our nation’s bridges, broadband, and health care system, as well as creating solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change -- like two box cars on the same train.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal): which seeks to improve the nation's bridges, healthcare system, broadband system, and more in order to improve American lives.
Biden’s Build Back Better Act (BBB Act) which focuses on investing to protect our communities and the outdoors from the effects of climate change while stimulating the economy through the creation of jobs.
In Arizona, this legislation would be incredibly beneficial by addressing the ongoing droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires that have overwhelmed Arizonans for years. As a state that has already been tremendously affected by climate change, the BBB Act looks to resolve and alleviate these issues with a series of measures, such as the creation of the Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) that would work to mitigate the effects of climate change while creating thousands of jobs that would stimulate the economy. The CCC is not a new government program – in 1933 it was referred to as the Civilian Conservation Corp, and was established in the wake of the Great Depression to rebuild the U.S. workforce. By modernizing the Civilian Conservation Corps to fit the 21st century, it could be an opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and people of color to combat climate change and support public lands. Through the development of a Civilian Climate Corps, Arizona’s forests will be maintained in a way that will decrease opportunities for wildfires to spread and restore burned areas while boosting the economy. Additionally, the Civilian Climate Corps is an opportunity to train and support the next generation of conservationists.
In order for programs like the Civilian Climate Corps to be successful, funding must be increased so that our forests can be well managed. Arizonans know firsthand how poor forest management correlates to the increased frequency of high-intensity fires. In 2020 alone, Arizona experienced 2,520 wildfires that burned 978,519 acres of state, federal, and tribal lands. In the past 20 years, over a million acres have been damaged, and millions of dollars spent in restoration efforts. The Build Back Better Act would invest $225 million for climate resilience and restoration projects and increase funding for wildfire management.
Additionally, as we evaluate climate mitigation practices, we must begin to transition to a sustainable economy. One way to do so is by holding oil and gas companies responsible for their role in the climate crisis. The Build Back Better Act includes reforms that would raise royalties on oil and gas companies, but also extend royalties to methane emissions and hard rock mineral mining. This has the potential to bring billions of dollars in revenue in the next couple of years that can be invested back into our communities.
Now more than ever, we must take deliberate steps to address the climate crisis. Passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Build Back Better Act would set a precedent for the protection of our communities, our health, and our connections to nature. We strongly urge Senator Kelly and Senator Sinema to invest in our future by supporting this legislation that contributes to our future, our economy, and our wellbeing. We must unite in our advocacy for the change that we desperately deserve.
Passing the Build Back Better Act is a bold investment for our future, and our quality of life. It is an opportunity for future generations to continue to build and strengthen connections with our public lands, and nature. The time to act is now.