Skip to main content

Costa Statement on Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act

September 24, 2020

(WASHINGTON) – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act to make important investments in clean energy technologies that support a transition to a more sustainable future:

"With California experiencing the worst fire season on record, it's clear we need to rethink our approach to addressing the climate crisis," said Costa. "This bill benefits the San Joaquin Valley by taking a bold step toward transforming our country's energy systems, while also creating jobs, and reducing carbon emissions."

The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act includes important amendments that Congressman Costa cosponsored to offer innovative solutions to strengthen our resiliency to wildfires and other extreme weather events. The amendments:

  • Establish a microgrid research program to enhance critical infrastructure during extreme weather events, including extreme heat and wildfires;
  • Expand financial assistance for weatherization enhancement and innovation enabling the use of materials that are resistant to high heat and fire in dwellings occupied by low-income persons in areas at risk from drought and wildfires.

The bill also provides critical funding for programs aimed at reducing our emissions and improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, including:

  • Reauthorizes the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), which has reduced hundreds of thousands of tons of air pollution and saved millions of gallons of fuel since its creation in 2005;
  • Creates a Clean School Bus Program to replace traditional diesel school buses with electric ones to improve air quality and student health.

Congressman Costa introduce the Clean School Bus Act, on which the Clean School Bus Program provision is based, and has been a longtime advocate of robust funding for DERA.

See a full list of reforms to modernize our energy systems and address the climate crisis.

###