The following is a statement from Elected Officials to Protect America on Senator Manchin (WV) pulling his support for the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), which he did publicly on Fox News December 19:

“When Senator Manchinbroke his word saying he would not vote for the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), he not only betrayed everyone who voted for him, he betrayed every American. His action will hurt millions of children and their families. Even Scrooge changed his heart and was redeemed when he found out about Tiny Tim’s poverty and health.

“We face multiple interconnected existential crises that threaten our shared humanity, national security and planet because of human caused climate change. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report said we must cut the carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels in half by 2030 to avoid increasing devastation. Our future is reliant on passage of BBBA, as it combines concrete actions to mitigate against climate change, rebuilds our economy and advances environmental justice—while paving the way for good-paying union jobs. 

“Before Manchin pivoted his reasons why he wouldn’t vote, his primary objection was the extension of Child Tax Credit that haslifted millions of children out of poverty. It has been the single most productive program for children, and their families in recent US history. The BBBA would continue the program.

“Another issue Manchin had was with the electric vehicle tax incentives, which would cut fossil fuel pollution incommunities that have suffered environmental degradation due to systemic racism and low income. The two issues go hand in hand. In order to begin to lift children out of poverty and make environmental justice a reality—we need the BBBA.

“The BBBA’s Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) builds on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s program that gave dignity back to hundreds of thousands during the Depression. CCC can help right the injustices of the past by giving good paying jobs to those hardest hit by environmental racism. It will train hundreds of thousands to build healthy and safe communities that are resilient to storms and floods, expand access to renewable energy, weatherize buildings and install electric vehicle charging stations. BBBA connects the dots between inequity, environment, and the economy to ensure no one is left behind on the path to a greener, more sustainable future.

“The BBBA is the hopeful promise of a more inclusive America, one where one’s zip code doesn’t predetermine your future.

“Investing in people to improve their lives and livelihoods is American. As Franklin D. Roosevelt proved with theNew Deal it grows the economy. BBBA will help us grow a clean energy economy—adding millions of jobs and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. It would support more than 556,000 manufacturing jobs and more than 312,000 construction jobs annually. Jobs we need.

“The United States experienced 22 climate caused disasters that exceeded a record $1 billion each in damages in 2020. When supply lines are disrupted, costs increase and consumers and businesses suffer. The Infrastructure Law passed last fall, modernizes the grid. BBBA ensures multiple clean energy sources will feed into it to reach 100 percent clean electricity by 2035. These actions will stop power outages that cost the US economy up to $70 billion annually, according to the Department of Energy. With a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources feeding into the grid our nation and economy will be more secure and in the process, more jobs will be created.

“The costs of inaction will escalate daily as children suffer needlessly in poverty, breathing in toxins supplied by fossil fuel air pollution. We must seize this tremendous opportunity before it’s too late and pass the BBBA.

“Senator Joe Manchin must renew his vow and vote for BBBA.”

About Elected Officials to Protect America: Elected Officials to Protect America is a network of current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting the planet and people. EOPA is committed to solving the climate crisis, ensuring environmental justice, and protecting our lands and waters. EOPA educates through value-based storytelling, training lawmakers, and connecting elected officials to inspire strong environmental leadership.