With the passage of the Big Brutal Bill, millions of Americans are losing healthcare coverage while being exposed to more air pollution—threatening the health of all Americans.
State leaders STILL have the power, opportunity, and responsibility to advance programs that will safeguard public health.
The United States has a long history of investing in clean air and clean energy to make it possible for communities to get the most polluting diesel vehicles off the road, support clean energy adoption, reduce power plant emissions, and help families transition to healthier homes and appliances. These investments improve the air we breathe and the health of the people across the United States.
However, in an abrupt and wildly unpopular U-turn, Congress has eliminated the majority of investments that are already improving air quality, reducing health disparities, and protecting vulnerable communities from the worst effects of climate change.
Attacking communities when they most need clean air, clean water, and strong climate leadership is unconscionable. Eliminating this funding puts millions of lives at risk—especially children, older adults, and those living near highways, industrial corridors, and fossil fuel infrastructure.
Our asks to state leaders are simple:
- Denounce the actions of Congress in rolling back vital clean air and climate investments;
- Work across the aisle to develop and support state action that provides investments and incentives to support clean air and climate action—including funding that helps communities replace polluting vehicles, reduce power plant emissions, and transition to cleaner buildings and consumer appliances;
- Support state level incentives and tax credits for electric and hybrid vehicle drivers, fleet owners, and manufacturers;
- Develop state investment and incentive plans that directly benefit public health, including state level iterations of previously federally-funded programs like Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants, Home Energy Rebates, hospital energy upgrades, and grants for community-led air quality and emissions reduction efforts.
Join the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) and urge your governor to protect the health of all Americans by standing up for policies and programs to provide relief for overburdened communities, cleaner air for everyone, and a healthier, more equitable future for all.
