House Committee Pushes Forward Major Climate Investment Bill
The House Natural Resources Committee has taken a big step by moving forward with a part of the Build Back Better Act. This section of the bill focuses on tackling climate change, protecting the environment, and helping communities that rely on fossil fuels. Lawmakers say these actions are some of the most important ever made to fight climate change in the United States.
Billions Directed to Protect Land, Water, and People
This legislation would provide billions of dollars to clean up pollution, restore natural areas, and make communities stronger. Here are some of the main investments included in the bill:
- $3.5 billion to plug and clean up abandoned oil and gas wells, known as “orphaned” wells. These wells can leak harmful chemicals into the air and water.
- $9.5 billion for restoring coastal areas and the Great Lakes, which are important for wildlife, fishing, and protecting against storms.
- $6 billion to create a new Civilian Climate Corps. This program would hire people to restore land and water, giving them jobs that help the planet.
- $2.5 billion for wildfire prevention, to help stop dangerous fires before they start and protect forests and communities.
- $900 million for programs that help Native American tribes deal with the effects of climate change and make their communities stronger.
Big Changes in How the Government Handles Fossil Fuels
The bill doesn’t just offer money. It also makes important changes to the rules for oil and gas companies. These changes include:
- Ending noncompetitive leasing of public land for oil and gas drilling. This means companies can’t get cheap deals to drill on public lands without open competition.
- Raising royalty rates for fossil fuel extraction. Companies will have to pay more to drill for oil and gas on public land, bringing in more money for the government.
- Stopping drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a special and sensitive area in Alaska where many animals live.
- Making polluters pay for cleaning up their messes, instead of leaving the bill for taxpayers.
- Providing direct support to communities most hurt by fossil fuel extraction, such as areas with a lot of pollution or job losses.
Leaders Say This Bill Is a Huge Opportunity
Representative Raúl M. Grijalva from Arizona, who led the House Natural Resources Committee, spoke about the importance of this bill. He said, “This bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the climate crisis, create good-paying jobs, and ensure that our public lands and waters are protected for future generations. We are putting people and the planet first.”
Supporters of the bill say it will help fight climate change while also creating new jobs and making sure that nature is protected for years to come. Many environmental groups are excited about the bill’s progress.
Environmental Groups Support the Action
Many groups that care about the environment praised the committee’s decision. Collin Rees, who works with Oil Change International, said, “The Natural Resources Committee’s reconciliation bill is a critical step toward ending fossil fuel handouts and investing in a just, renewable energy future. Congress must ensure these investments remain in the final package.”
These groups believe this bill will help end government support for fossil fuel companies and push the country toward clean, renewable energy like solar and wind power.
What Happens Next?
The bill will now move to the full House of Representatives for more discussion and voting. It is part of the larger Build Back Better Act, which includes many other plans to improve the country’s economy, health care, and education.
As lawmakers continue to debate the details, many advocates are urging them to keep all the climate and justice programs in the final version. They say this is a key chance to make big changes that will help both people and the environment.
Why This Bill Matters
This legislation could help the United States:
- Reduce pollution from old oil and gas wells
- Protect important habitats for animals and plants
- Support communities that have been affected by pollution or job losses from fossil fuels
- Create new “green” jobs in conservation and restoration
- Fight climate change by investing in cleaner energy