U.S. President Joe Biden just signed into law the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion relief package and his first major piece of legislation. The administration has signaled the next stimulus will focus on infrastructure — but it will have to tackle more than just better bridges and highways.
Infrastructure improvements need to start at home, according to climate advocates and industry executives. More specifically, they see residential investments as the key to jobs, equity and public health — fulfilling the president’s pledge to “build back better.” Grid weatherization, building efficiency upgrades, low-income energy assistance and rebates for retrofits should serve as the engine for the next infrastructure package, according to a new report from the Roosevelt Institute, a think tank, and the Evergreen Collaborative, a climate change advocacy group. They plan to offer lawmakers a suite of detailed policies and options to consider as they craft new legislation.
