Washington, D.C. — In response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ introduction of the ‘Invest In America Act’ that would provide major investments in surface transportation infrastructure, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Legislative Director Matthew Davis:

“At a time of intense suffering across the country, especially for the Black community, all communities of color, and low income communities, Congress must take bold action to protect clean water and clean air, and to address climate justice and the longstanding systemic racism that causes communities of color to disproportionately suffer from exposure to toxic pollution. 

“This forward looking surface transportation bill is one important piece of the work to build a safer and healthier future. These major investments in transit, regional rail, bike and pedestrian safety, zero emission vehicles and charging stations, and climate change-resilient infrastructure will help reduce pollution, fight climate change, and in turn protect the health of communities, especially communities of color who are exposed to higher levels of toxic pollution from roadways and fossil fuels. For the first time ever, states’ projects will be judged on their climate emissions reductions, with additional funding for states leading the way and requirements for states not doing enough to redirect more of their funding to emissions reductions. Passing this legislation will be a helpful step in the right direction towards a clean energy economy that advances environmental justice and works better for everyone.”

# # #