New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Ed Potosnak issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill:

The signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill represents an important step toward building a sustainable and equitable future for our state and nation — and it must be swiftly followed by passage of the Build Back Better Act.

The infrastructure package will bring billions of dollars to New Jersey to help us rebuild NJ Transit, fully fund the Gateway Project to strengthen New Jersey’s critical rail connection to New York City, and invest in expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

However, signing the infrastructure bill represents only the first step toward realizing President Biden’s vision, and House moderates must live up to their commitment to swiftly pass the Build Back Better Act. It would put our nation on a path toward addressing the growing climate crisis by expanding renewable energy and modernizing our electric grid — all while creating millions of good-paying union jobs.

Together, these bills will mark a significant step forward for environmental justice as they set out to remove all lead water service lines in the country and invest billions in job training for low-income residents and people of color.

Congress must meet the moment and deliver on President Biden’s promises to the American people by passing both pieces of legislation, and building a strong middle class by investing in a sustainable future.