July 01, 2020

Rep. Takano Statement on House Passage of Infrastructure Package to Create Millions of Jobs, Fight Inequality, and Confront the Climate Crisis

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the passage of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, in the House of Representatives. The Moving Forward Act will invest more than $1.5 trillion to rebuild America’s infrastructure while creating millions of jobs, combating the climate crisis, and addressing the long-standing social and racial disparities that exist throughout the country.

“The Moving Forward Act is the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to take to rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “This legislation will not only improve our schools, rebuild our roads, and spark job creation, it also includes provisions that will revamp our clean energy economy. I am glad that this major package includes my Battery Storage Innovation Act, which will incentivize the expansion of clean and affordable renewable energy that moves us away from dependence on fossil fuels and unsustainable energy sources. Congress must deliver transformative solutions that will improve our transportation sector, modernize our energy infrastructure, and combat systemic inequities that disproportionately affect communities of color in this country. The Moving Forward Act is a much-needed investment that will help us achieve that.”

This infrastructure package includes the following key provisions from Rep. Takano:

  • H.R. 1742: The Battery Storage Innovation Act, which makes battery storage technologies for residential, industrial, and commercial use eligible for innovative technology loan guarantees.
  • An amendment co-sponsored with Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42) that establishes the Western Riverside County Wildlife Refuge to ensure species diversity and responsible transportation infrastructure development.
  • An amendment co-sponsored with Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) that clarifies that reducing air pollution caused by vehicles idling at railway crossings is a goal of the National Highway Freight Program, thereby expanding the allowable funding use of the National Highway Freight Program for this purpose. 

The Moving Forward Act seeks to support American and ingenuity by creating millions of jobs that cannot be exported while putting America on a path toward zero carbon emissions. This investment will make communities around the county smarter, safer, and made to last.

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