Pascrell, 180+ Colleagues Demand Clean Energy Tax Incentives in Infrastructure Package

Push by Pascrell and House Democrats comes after dire U.N. report outlines dangers posed by climate inaction

PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-sponsor of the landmark Green New Deal, joined more than 180 lawmakers urging inclusion of clean energy provisions in the upcoming landmark infrastructure package. In their letter to House leadership, Pascrell and his Democratic colleagues argue that inclusion of these provisions will help the clean energy industry recover from COVID-19 and play a critical role in combating the climate crisis. The Members’ request for bold climate action follows a daunting new report from the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showing a ‘Code Red’ in the climate fight and predicting a dire global future without immediate action.

“These incentives will play a critical role in America’s economic recovery, alleviate some of the pollution impacts that have been borne by disadvantaged communities, and help the country build back better and cleaner,” wrote the House lawmakers in their letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer. “We look forward to working with you to include a stable, predictable, and long-term clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation tax platform in the infrastructure package this year.”

The letter comes as the Senate considers a $3.5 trillion budget resolution with reconciliation instructions, paving the way for enactment of needed climate provisions, including:

• Long-term extensions and expansions of the Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit to meet President Biden’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035;

• Extension of tax incentives for commercial and residential energy efficiency improvements and residential electrification;

• Extension of incentives for clean transportation options and alternative fuel infrastructure; and

• Support for domestic clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation manufacturing.

The clean energy sector was projected to add 175,000 jobs in 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic upended the industry and roughly 300,000 clean energy workers were still out of work in the beginning of 2021. Rep. Pascrell and his colleagues argue that the clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation tax incentives will help bring these jobs back, while supporting strong labor standards and domestic manufacturing.

On the recent IPCC report, Rep. Pascrell said, “this report has shaken me to my core. It makes clear that we cannot afford to wait any longer. Our planet is burning. We need bold action to combat climate change now. I joined over 180 House Democrats urging clean energy provisions in our infrastructure investment because every agenda item must prioritize our environment. For too long Congress has legislated without a keen eye on the climate crisis. I say: No more. An investment in America’s infrastructure will hold no weight unless we preserve the planet for our children and grandchildren. I’ll continue to push for bold climate provisions in every single piece of legislation I work on because future generations are counting on us. No more delays.”

Rep. Pascrell’s efforts to protect our environment and combat climate change stem from his mission to leave a better world for future generations. From working with federal officials to clean up the Hackensack River, to sweeping federal efforts like the Green New Deal, Rep. Pascrell continues to work with his colleagues in every level of government to combat climate change head-on and preserve our cherished natural resources. Rep. Pascrell recently introduced the Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation to aid America’s non-emitting electric generation plants.

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