[FOR ORGANIZATIONS - for individuals, go here:
https://act.chesapeakeclimate.org/page/26482/action/1 ]
Dear members of Congress,
As young people, we have more at stake than anyone in the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather and ecological collapse are guaranteed to be a huge part of our and future generation's lives. Meanwhile, many young Americans struggle to find life and family supporting work. We need rapid a transition to a carbon neutral economy that will create thousands of careers, and The American Jobs Plan is a clear next step towards that goal.
We urge you to support historic levels of investment that will safeguard our planet, defend our health, address the impacts of climate change and pollution from fossil fuel extraction and related industries, and fulfill our moral obligation to leave a healthy world for future generations. Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income communities have been hit the hardest by the triple health, economic, and environmental crises we face. The needs of these communities must be at the center of any infrastructure package.
As we move from COVID relief to economic recovery, this moment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the clean energy future while addressing the injustices of the past. We can
achieve this by:
- Creation of a Civilian Climate Core
There is so much work to to if we hope to reach carbon neutrality within scientific deadlines. This plan invests 10 billion dollars to create the Civilian Climate Core, which will put young people to work in good union jobs advancing environmental justice, building community resilience, and preserving public lands.
- Expanding clean, renewable energy and modernizing our electric grid
We can accelerate the transition to clean energy by passing a national Clean Energy Standard that achieves 100% renewable, pollution free electricity by 2035.
- Electrify transportation and expand public transit
Now is the time to invest in American-made electric vehicles, build charging stations across the country, and make sure they are affordable to all. We can also connect our communities and reduce pollution by electrifying and expanding public transit.
- Clean water infrastructure for all communities
Too many communities, especially in low-income urban neighborhoods and in Indigenous communities, don’t have access to clean water. We must invest in lead pipe remediation, as well as programs that provide clean water to rural communities.
- Invest with justice
BIPOC and low-income communities have been harmed the most by both this pandemic and our centuries of investment in fossil fuel infrastructure. Our understanding of justice demands that these communities must be at the center of our investments going forward. Specifically, we call for these communities, forced to bear an unequal burden of pollution and pandemic, to receive at least 40% of the investments. Additionally, to ensure a just transition, we must support dislocated workers and investment in communities historically dependent on fossil fuels.
Sincerely,
