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Science is full of difficult concepts, from complicated mathematical equations to the exploration of space and time. More often than not, we’re left with more questions than answers. However, there is one scientific concept that’s actually very simple to grasp: Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time.
I taught biology and worked as a biologist for state, federal, tribal and private organizations, and I’m the only scientist to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Given these experiences, I’m acutely aware of the impacts that federal and local legislation can have on our planet. Thankfully, we have a leader like President Joe Biden in the White House who is not only aware of this, but who is actively working to address the root causes of climate change.
At the heart of President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure deal is a commitment to tackling the climate crisis, and doing so with a focus on resilience, equity and safety for all — no matter your zip code. President Biden understands that the effects of pollution and climate change-related weather events disproportionately hurt rural communities and people of color.
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The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will make our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change, with the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural systems in American history.
The package dedicates $55 billion to improve water and wastewater systems while providing an additional $50 billion to make our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
The bipartisan deal will also make an investment in legacy pollution, a cleanup effort that will create many good-paying jobs while advancing environmental justice.
By making a federal investment of $7.5 billion in electric vehicles and constructing hundreds of thousands of chargers for electric vehicles nationwide, we can move into the future powered by clean energy. Electric vehicles not only make reliable transportation more accessible, but it also limits air pollutants — which are linked to asthma and other health conditions that can cause students to miss school and disproportionately hurt our students in rural communities, communities of color, and Tribal communities.
Improving the country’s infrastructure to help our communities thrive and combat the impacts of climate change is not a partisan issue — and that’s why 7 in 10 Americans support the infrastructure package.
Whether you’re an outdoorsman like me or a homebody, you will benefit from this package in one way or another — from removing lead pipes in homes and schools, to getting dangerous chemicals (PFAs) out of our drinking water, or expanding broadband access so that everyone in Wisconsin has access to high-speed internet — regardless of zip code.
The bipartisan infrastructure deal backed by President Biden and lawmakers in Congress takes a bold stance on climate and reaffirms his commitment to bettering our country, state and world.
As a legislator, an outdoorsman, a scientist and a father, I wholeheartedly support this package and encourage my colleagues to support it, as well — this is an important step in making the world a better place for our children.
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Rep. Nick Milroy represents the 73rd District in the Wisconsin Assembly.
