Earlier this summer, the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation that provides $1.2 trillion for investment in traditional infrastructure programs, including roads, highways, bridges and ports. This bill incorporates funding for many programs that help our ocean and communities along the coast, with over $2 billion for investments in ports, including funding for projects to transition us to zero-emission ports and shipping and nearly $1 billion for coastal restoration and resilience projects. The bill was widely supported by Senate Republicans, Independents and Democrats. If passed, it will jump-start the economy and create jobs. In addition, it will significantly help build back the infrastructure we all depend on to go to work, take our kids to school and enjoy the special places in our beautiful country.  

Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. In the past year alone, we have seen extreme weather events like snowstorms in Texas, raging mega-wildfires in the West and super-charged hurricanes. The Build Back Better Act could provide historic funding to stem the climate crisis, restore coastal ecosystems, reduce air and water pollution, invest in clean energy and reduce plastic production, all while creating significant job opportunities. This package could possibly be the biggest investment in programs that benefit everyday Americans since Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. It must be passed to create a more sustainable future for our nation.    

How you can help: Call or write to your senator and representative. Tell them to support the Build Back Better Act to protect what you love now and for the future.   

You can make a difference. Join Ocean Conservancy in telling your representative and senator to keep our government open—and pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act.