Rep. Cartwright Makes Push for Sustainable Jobs and Infrastructure to Mark Earth Day

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) introduced three bills, two of which also have Republican support, to create jobs by building more sustainable infrastructure and promoting energy efficient manufacturing.

As climate change impacts us more every year, from 2010 to 2020, Pennsylvania experienced 37 extreme weather events costing the state and taxpayers up to $10 billion in damages. The Built to Last Act, Climate Resilience International Development Act, and the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act represent a forward-looking approach to creating sustainable jobs and infrastructure for a warming climate while saving taxpayer dollars.

"Climate change is going to fundamentally alter our lives in the coming decades, and scientists agree that it is one of the biggest threats this country faces," said Rep. Cartwright. "It is a real risk, but also an opportunity to create jobs and plan for the future. As we gear up for one of the largest investments in our infrastructure in a generation, we can put people to work by rebuilding infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and promoting clean manufacturing. These solutions will also save lives and taxpayer money in the long term, and they should be a part of the conversation as we develop the American Jobs Plan."

"To have a middle class in America, we need to build stuff in America. And in a competitive world, that means making sure small manufacturing businesses can invest in efficiency," said Sen. Merkley, who also introduced the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act today in the U.S. Senate. "Investing in energy efficient retrofits will save manufacturers money and cut the pollution driving climate chaos so Americans can keep building for the world."

"As we look at common sense ideas to address climate change, we need to look at our building industry and the standards they use for meeting lower energy use," said Rep. Bacon, the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Built to Last Act. "This legislation will assist standards-developing organizations such as the International Code Council find and incorporate into their standards relevant information about climate change."

Background

By the end of this century, scientists predict that the United States will see more volatile precipitation patterns, more heat waves and droughts, more wildfires, and stronger hurricanes and tornados due to the effects of climate change. This is not only dangerous for humans, animals, and wildlife, but costs trillions of dollars. In 2020, there were 22 extreme weather events that cost the United States over $1 billion each.

Taking action on this issue is as important at home as it is abroad. According to a 2019 World Resources Institute report, investing in climate resilient infrastructure yields a 5:1 cost-benefit ratio. President Biden issued an Executive Order that will ensure U.S.-funded aid does not go to waste. However, further action from Congress is needed.

At the same time, the manufacturing sector consumes more than 40 percent of all energy used in the United States, and has the largest potential for cost-effective savings. In fact, the manufacturing sector accounts for $480 million in wasted energy that could potentially be saved.

Putting these investments to work is a job multiplier. The energy efficiency sector employs 2.2 million people, including 1.4 million construction jobs, and continues to grow. These well-paid jobs in manufacturing high-efficiency appliances, installing upgrades, and researching innovative technologies save businesses money. Because these are jobs that can't be outsourced, energy efficiency investments help grow American jobs and the economy.

Cartwright's push for sustainable infrastructure and manufacturing includes the following 3 pieces of legislation:

The Built to Last Act, cosponsored by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), will incorporate climate change data in building standards, making structures more resilient to extreme weather events. Bill text HERE.
The Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act, also introduced in the Senate today by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), will create high-paying manufacturing and construction jobs by facilitating energy efficiency upgrades for small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Bill text HERE.
The Climate-Resilient International Development Optimization Act, cosponsored by Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-FL-26), will codify President Biden's Executive Order and ensure U.S.-funded development incorporates the latest climate science so that American investments do not go to waste. Bill text HERE.

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