Climate action impacts from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Racine Mayor praises, Congressman voted against

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Leaders stressing the importance of climate action gathered in Racine on Thursday to highlight the impacts of federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Mayor Cory Mason of the City of Racine said his community is quickly advancing solar energy deployment, expanding its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, prioritizing the construction of LEED-certified energy efficient buildings, and accelerating the electrification of the city’s municipal vehicle fleet.

“The work that we do around climate change is critically important for us, but for future generations in particular," Mason said.

At a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 26, multiple speakers said energy and clean transportation investments will improve economic growth, save taxpayers money, reduce carbon pollution, and improve the city’s air quality.

“We need to keep programs like this going and work to reduce our carbon print," said Alder Mary Land, the District 11 Alder in the City of Racine. 

CBS 58 spoke to a doctor with Health Climate Wisconsin for further context surrounding why Racine was a target location for investments in climate action. 

“The air quality of Racine is quite poor and that’s due to fossil fuel pollution in that area," said Joel Charles of Health Climate Wisconsin. “The city of Racine deserves a lot of investment to fix a lot of those ills.”

Rep. Bryan Steil, who is the U.S. Congressman for the Racine area, voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. His spokesperson Chavonne.

Ludick gave the following statement when asked if he regrets his vote on the bill:

“Congressman Steil strongly supports targeted infrastructure investments in Southeast Wisconsin. He opposed the legislation because it was one part of a massive $3 trillion wasteful spending package that contributed to irresponsibly driving up the cost of living for American families. Wisconsin families are struggling to make ends meet and reckless spending only makes matters worse.” 

President Biden had previously promised that carbon emissions that impact climate change would be cut in half by 2030 with federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.