Schumer Hails Inclusion Of Climate Wins In Omnibus Appropriations Bill, Says More Needs To Be Done Under The Biden Administration To Deliver Bold Climate Action

Washington, D.C. — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today issued the following statement lauding the important climate legislation included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill while acknowledging that much more needs to be done under the incoming Biden administration:

“I am proud that this bill secured significant wins when it comes to combatting climate change, including the first ever agreement to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are among the most potent greenhouse gases. The bill extends crucial tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency to help accelerate the deployment of carbon reducing technologies. And it modernizes many of the energy innovation programs at the Department of Energy, authorizing $35 billion in research and development activities across the agency.

“These wins mark a major victory in this difficult political environment for those of us fighting the climate crisis. Thanks in large part to the leadership from Senator Carper, Senator Manchin, Senator Wyden, and many other Senate Democrats, we’ve accomplished this with a climate and science denying Republican president and a Republican party largely beholden to industry. But let’s be clear: are these provisions enough to meet the demands of the science? No. But are they a significant step in the right direction? Yes.

“With Joe Biden in the White House, we’ll have a leader on climate change and we’ll have people that are working around the clock to fight this crisis. Working with a Biden administration, I remain committed to deliver bold climate action in the Senate.” 

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