Investing in A New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2 because it is a critical investment in our roads, bridges, schools, and other vital infrastructure. Not only that, this plan ensures we build a clean energy economy that will address the climate crisis and make our communities healthier and safer.

Amendments Nos. 37 and 71, which we are debating today, are two of my bills that prioritize investments in environmental justice communities. These are the communities that are overburdened with pollution and are being hit the hardest with impacts of both the climate crisis and COVID-19.

The Climate Action Planning for Ports Act creates a competitive grant program at EPA that will incentivize ports to implement climate action plans, reduce their air pollution, and engage the communities to reduce the cumulative impacts of the pollution from the nearby port.

EPA is uniquely equipped to manage a grant program like this and will complement the Ports Initiative that already exists at the agency. Most importantly, though, this program provides flexibility for ports and port authorities while requiring strong emissions targets and near-port community engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of these amendments and H.R. 2.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source