Democrats Aim to Include Support for the Clean Energy Sector in Next Coronavirus Relief Bill

House and Senate Democrats joined together to send a letter to Congressional leaders expressing their support for including aid for the clean energy sector in the next coronavirus relief package. The clean energy sector has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and lawmakers are hoping to support the industry during this time of economic downturn to keep the U.S. on track towards decarbonization. In the letter, Members of Congress share their concern that the climate crisis poses an existential threat to the United States and that America cannot afford to stall in its efforts to transition to and innovate more energy efficient technology.

The letter calls out specific clean energy areas where Congress should invest, including in renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, clean vehicles, clean and efficient infrastructure, clean fuels, and workforce development. The letter cites these as critical areas of investment for the United States to decarbonize, recover economically from the pandemic, and help those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 get back to work.

Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) are two of the Democratic lawmakers leading the effort, but while there is strong Democratic support behind the initiative, Republicans have been resistant to including clean energy provisions in previous coronavirus relief packages.

ASME will monitor the next coronavirus relief package as it begins to take shape and will report on any developments.