Statement: House passes climate-forward transportation bill

H.R. 2 and the INVEST Act will protect public health and the environment

Environment Colorado

The U.S. House passed the “Moving Forward Act” Wednesday, a sweeping $1.5 trillion infrastructure package that will rebuild and modernize American in several key areas. The House’s long-term transportation spending plan, the INVEST Act, was included as part of the package. This legislation reorients highway funding to prioritize maintenance and safety, and increases investment in electric vehicles, public transportation, biking and walking. 

In response, the following Environment America and U.S. PIRG experts issued statements.

Morgan Folger, Environment America’s Clean Cars Campaign director, said: 

“The urgency of climate change requires us to act quickly and boldly to stop burning fossil fuels. This bill helps break down barriers to zero-emission cars and trucks, making it easier for folks to buy a used electric car or find a place to charge. By focusing on the future of transportation, we can relegate polluting cars to the past.”

Matt Casale, U.S. PIRG’s Transportation Campaign director, said: 

“Americans are sick of the transportation status quo. By passing H.R. 2 and the INVEST Act, The House has taken bold action to bring transportation in the U.S. into the 21st century. This bill rightly recognizes the need to move away from costly and unnecessary new roads, focusing instead on fixing our existing roads and bridges, expanding access to public transportation, and making our streets safer for walking and biking.”