CCJ statement on President Biden’s American Jobs Plan: It is a critical first step for equitable investment in rural communities that have been abandoned for far too long
Washington County, PA—On the heels of President Biden’s speech in western PA this afternoon, CCJ released the following statement:
“We envision a future where communities hit hard by the decline of the coal industry have vibrant, resilient, and equitable new economies with thriving local businesses and quality, family-sustaining union jobs.
We’ve suffered from crumbling infrastructure for decades. Now, we need policies that increase prosperity for workers and communities on the frontlines of our nation’s energy transition. We need innovative solutions that tackle economic challenges and the climate crisis. We need policies that ensure rural communities who have been left behind for too long aren’t just included, but help lead the way.
President Biden’s infrastructure plan is a huge first step toward investing in our communities. While the scope and standards of the plan provide a very solid foundation, much more is needed: We need Congress to go even bigger. As it is, the plan will address roughly 1/3 of what is needed nationally to equitably rebuild our country.
Now President Biden must express support for the National Economic Transition Platform, which will ensure direct investment in coalfield communities. The NET platform is based on community-driven solutions from those of us who know what we need because we live here.
Our Pennsylvania Congressional delegation and U.S. Senators also need to support the plan. To be clear, not supporting this plan means saying that rural communities don’t matter. It’s long past time for the just and equitable national transition that our communities need and deserve. It’s time for the government to help us access affordable broadband, clean water, and the resources to restore our lands from the legacy costs of fossil fuel extraction.
This is why tonight, CCJ will join 21 other organizations and more than 200 Pennsylvanians from rural and urban communities all over the state to express support for the Thrive Agenda, which will make critical investments that will finally transform, heal, and renew our communities.
