LI Advocates Push For House To Approve Build Back Better Bill Act

LONG BEACH, NY — Advocates are calling on the House to pass the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) this week.

The Tuesday news conference was held in Long Beach, a location that faced the long-term struggles from Superstorm Sandy nine years ago.

Once enacted, the BBBA would cut carbon pollution by at least 50 percent within a decade, create good-paying jobs and protect against extreme weather.

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D- NY) was also urged to follow through on her commitment to vote for the legislation.

"Long Island is on the front lines of climate change. We have witnessed our homes, communities, infrastructure, and businesses be destroyed by superstorms, hurricanes, and torrential rain events," Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. "This bill will reduce harmful pollution, invest in clean energy, expand the use of electric vehicles, and create a thriving clean energy economy."

More than 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed along the Long Island south shore from the devastating effects of Sandy. Long Beach suffered $150 million in property damage, including the total destruction of the boardwalk.

"The Build Back Better Act will create good-paying union jobs that help keep Long Island affordable and protect us from extreme weather events. We are counting on Representative Rice to do what she does best and that is to cast her vote to pass this bill and address the threat of climate change head on," said Matty Aracich, President of the Long Island Building and Construction Trades Council.