Dear John,

Right now, Congress is deliberating on the Build Back Better Act, a bill that will transform America by placing climate action at the heart of our economy. But what exactly does that mean for our communities?

EDF asked Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, environmental justice advocate and founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, what we can expect to see if Congress decides to go bold and make strong investments in our climate future. In her video response, Wawa outlines tangible benefits we can expect to see if our leaders pass bills like the Build Back Better Act — including pathways for cleaner water, transportation and the jobs necessary to make it all happen.

The actions we take right now will set the course for our climate future. See how Build Back Better can help address longstanding environmental issues in communities across America!

If passed, the Build Back Better Act will help communities by providing households with clean water and energy. It will also accelerate our transition to zero-emitting electric vehicles and expand critical EV charging technology, transforming how we commute and explore America. 

All together, the Build Back Better Act bill and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are estimated to cut U.S. emissions by up to 1 billion additional tons by 2030, which equates to the emissions of all light-duty vehicles currently on the road. That’s more emissions reductions than any other single action that any part of the federal government has ever taken to tackle climate change.

But only if it’s passed.

That’s why we need to spread the word! Share Wawa’s message and remind Americans that this is our climate moment. And we may not get another.

Thank you for your support,

Wes Rogerson
Manager, Grassroots Organizing & Activism