Congress Takes Critical Step Supporting the People; More Work Remains

Washington, DC -- Today, Congress is voting on a massive year-end omnibus package that includes government spending, an energy package, and the Water Resources and Development Act while providing some COVID relief. 

Congressional Democrats’ efforts on appropriations led to the inclusion of:

• $180 million increase in funding for the EPA, the second highest funding level for the Agency ever 

• $2.86 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and $427 million to support the development of clean, affordable energy

• A reversal of the Trump Administrations cuts to climate change programs, including $2 billion for NASA Earth Science and $182 million for NOAA Climate Research

• $43.4 million in new vouchers to expand access to housing

• Robust investments in WIC, child nutrition programs, and SNAP

However, the bill still does contain a number of critical legacy riders, including one further endangering sage grouse and an additional $1.4 billion dollars for Donald Trump’s racist border wall.

After Congressional Republicans wasted months refusing to address the pandemic and the economic disaster it’s created, Congressional Democrats successfully engineered the passage of a $900 billion coronavirus emergency relief package that helps provide aid to families, workers and small businesses while excluding a corporate liability shield. Provisions include:

• Nearly $9 billion for vaccine distribution and $22 billion to help states with testing, tracing, and mitigation programs

• Additional funding of PPP for small businesses, rental assistance, extended paid sick leave, and enhanced and expanded Unemployment Insurance. 

• $82 billion in aid to schools to make retrofits to ensure a safe return for students and teachers

• $10 billion for child care centers so parents can return to work and children are safe

• And, despite significant resistance from Congressional Republicans, direct payments to individuals and families 

However, this bill does not include aid for state, local and Tribal governments.

Lastly, this bill contains significant climate and energy provisions, including the phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), clean energy tax credits for wind, solar, offshore wind and efficiency, a reauthorization for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, and a large number of research and development authorizations, including for solar and wind energy while advancing geothermal and marine energy. However, this package also includes provisions for Carbon Capture (USE IT), funding for the fossil fuel energy program authorizations within the Department of Energy, and nuclear energy authorizations. 

In response, Sierra Club Deputy Legislative Director Kirin Kennedy released the following statement:

“After months of tireless efforts, Congressional Democrats were able to overcome their Republican colleague’s intransigence over fulfilling their obligations to the people. Across the country, our friends, our families, and our communities are suffering under the dual burden of this pandemic and the economic disaster it has caused. Yet, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have been indifferent at best while focusing their attention on subverting the will of the people. Thanks to Congressional Democrats, Washington has finally taken a step towards providing much needed relief while funding the government, addressing major sources of pollution, growing clean energy, and making progress across government agencies to advance climate action.

“However, more work remains when Congress returns in January. Building back better means providing more robust and sustained direct relief to families so they can keep a roof over their heads and food on their plates. It means directing aid to state, local, and Tribal governments so businesses can stay afloat, healthcare services have the funding they need, and the vaccine can be distributed at the rapid pace required, rather than funding a racist and environmentally destructive border wall. And it means investing in clean, renewable energy that can power communities, not saddling them with false solutions or pollution for decades to come.

“The Sierra Club is relieved Congress met its moral responsibility today, and looks forward to working with the Biden Administration as we build back better for every person and every community.”