industrial-transformation

Memo: Sierra Club Highlights Critical Gaps in Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal that Must Be Filled in the Reconciliation Package

*** Senior Sierra Club policy staff and leadership are available to discuss our vision for bigger and bolder infrastructure investments ***

Harmful Provisions Must Also Be Removed to Protect our Climate and Communities

Statement on Infrastructure Deal Advance: Democrats Must Build on this Deal & Go Bigger and Bolder

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Senators voted to proceed on debating narrow bipartisan infrastructure legislation, a sign of progress that President Biden and Democratic Congressional leadership are working to meet the needs of people in communities across America who are suffering from the increasing consequences of the climate crisis, decades of infrastructure neglect, and systemic inequity.

Congress Must Expand Paltry Lead Pipe & Clean Bus Investments in Infrastructure Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- New reports reveal that backroom Senate bipartisan infrastructure negotiations have left on the cutting room floor critical investments to clean up toxic water and air pollution from lead pipes and diesel buses, with only meager investments remaining. The state of negotiations are at odds with the President’s commitment to replace 100% of lead pipes and electrify school buses as part of the American Jobs Plan.

Sierra Club Welcomes Congressional Proposals for a Carbon Dumping Fee

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, it’s reported that Congressional Democrats will introduce legislation to impose a border tax on imported materials made with a high degree of climate pollution. 

Sierra Club on Senate Budget: Good Start, but House Must Go Bigger and Bolder

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Late yesterday, Senate Budget Committee Democrats announced an agreement on a $3.5 trillion topline budget number for a reconciliation-based infrastructure package. This is the first step in the process toward crafting a reconciliation package with bold investments in climate action, clean energy, and President Biden’s American Families Plan. 

EU’s Carbon Dumping Fee Spotlights Key Tool to Curb Dirty Imports

BRUSSELS -- Today, the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, presented its plan for a carbon border adjustment mechanism. This carbon dumping fee on imported goods made with a high degree of climate pollution is part of the EU’s commitment to cut emissions 55 percent by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050.

The Sierra Club supports a carbon dumping fee that:

Sierra Club Welcomes Biden Administration’s Commitment to Integrate Paris Agreement into USMCA

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai indicated that the Biden Administration intends to ask Mexico and Canada to incorporate the Paris climate accord into the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. During a hearing before the Ways & Means Committee on President Biden’s trade agenda, Tai said next week’s meeting with trade ministers of the other two countries would be a “great opportunity” to amend the USMCA’s list of multilateral environmental agreements to include the Paris Agreement.

Delivering on Building America Back Must Emphasize the Better

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, President Joe Biden unveiled his American Jobs Plan, which commits to equitably investing in the country’s infrastructure to address the climate crisis and create millions of good, family-sustaining jobs. In the factsheet, it states that “every dollar spent on rebuilding our infrastructure during the Biden administration will be used to prevent, reduce, and withstand the impacts of the climate crisis."

Sierra Club Calls for Large-Scale Economic Renewal Package

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, the New York Times reported on plans from President Biden’s advisers for an economic recovery package designed to reduce carbon emissions, invest in manufacturing and high-tech industries, and upgrade infrastructure.

New Report Shows Economic Stimulus Could Create Over 15 Million Good Jobs

Renewal Plan Would Boost Racial Equity and Cut Climate Pollution in Half 

Biden Reinvigorates Buy American

Washington, DC -- Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced immediate action to ensure the federal government is investing U.S. taxpayer dollars to support U.S. jobs. This executive order strengthens existing Buy American rules by closing loopholes to direct investment to domestic manufacturers and service providers.

Sierra Club Applauds Katherine Tai’s Nomination as U.S. Trade Representative

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, President-elect Joe Biden announced he will nominate Katherine Tai, chief trade counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee, as U.S. Trade Representative.

The USTR plays a crucial role by coordinating U.S. international trade policy and overseeing trade negotiations with other countries. If confirmed, Tai would be the first Asian American and first woman of color in the cabinet-level position.