In the Headlines
June 24, 2021

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Omits Big Climate Measures

The New York Times

Public Policy & Regulation Group Leader Rich Gold spoke with The New York Times about the potential for Senate Democrats to use budget reconciliation to pass a clean electricity standard and other climate measures. The bipartisan infrastructure deal announced on June 24 provides funding for electric buses and electric vehicle charging stations but does not incorporate some of President Joe Biden's other proposals to cut emissions and and invest in clean energy. Senate Democrats are currently working on ways to use budget reconciliation to pass some of these measures, including a standard requiring power companies to increase the amount of electricity generated from solar, wind and other sources. However, Mr. Gold expressed doubt that the efforts will be successful, saying he has not seen enough support from either party.

"I think it will be as challenging in reconciliation now as increasing the minimum wage was at the beginning of the year," he explained. "Having been around this joint for a while, I don't think there's a way to do this that will be politically viable with the Democratic conference in the Senate, and there do not seem to be any Republican votes for it."

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