President Biden’s American Jobs Plan Would Deliver Clean Water, Electric Transportation Grid, High-Speed Broadband, and Housing Equity

April 1, 2021 — Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2021

The Administration’s multi-trillion dollar infrastructure plan includes funding to replace 100% of lead pipes and service lines and help close the digital divide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, President Joe Biden’s administration unveiled the American Jobs Plan. In what the administration referred to as a moment to reimagine and rebuild a new economy, the American Jobs Plan promises to invest in America in a way we have not seen since building the interstate highways and winning the Space Race. Advocates at the National Consumer Law Center provided the following statements on the impact of the American Jobs Plan and its provisions on low and moderate-income consumers.

Water, Wastewater, and Broadband
“The American Jobs Plan recognizes that safe and affordable water is essential for public health and habitable homes. The plan commits to replacing 100% of the country’s lead pipes and service lines to prevent permanent health problems from lead exposure in drinking water,” said Olivia Wein, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. ”We appreciate the Administration’s commitment to leaving no household behind when it comes to replacing lead pipes and service lines. We hope that the Administration will also ensure that low-income households and communities of color can afford their essential water and wastewater services as part of the plan to build back better.”

Electric Vehicles
“We are pleased to see that aspects of this infrastructure plan prioritize racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice. Too many families in communities of color and low-income communities lack access to affordable, reliable and clean transportation,” said Jenifer Bosco, attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “The transportation electrification proposals would help bring electric school buses to more neighborhoods, and aim to improve the affordability of electric vehicles for low-income and moderate-income families. These are important steps in addressing the economic and public health needs of underserved communities.”

High-Speed Broadband
“Broadband is as essential to modern life as electricity. We must ensure that everyone who wants to can afford high-quality and reliable broadband internet, particularly those on the wrong side of the digital divide” said Wein. “We look forward to working with the Administration and policymakers to ensure that all individuals in our society can enjoy the benefits of high-speed, 100% coverage, quality broadband service that the American Jobs Plan envisions.”

Energy Efficiency and Weatherization
“We welcome the administration’s attention in the bill to extend the benefits of energy efficiency and weatherization to low-income communities across the nation,” said Karen Lusson, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “Nearly one-third of utility customers in the U.S. struggle to afford essential utility service each month. Weatherization investments not only help lower energy bills, but also improve the health, comfort and safety of homes and increase the supply of quality affordable housing.”

Housing and Racial Equity
“Through the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, this proposal would spur investment in crucial home repairs and rehabilitation in communities hit hardest by recent economic hardship. We hope to see this bill enacted and carried out in a way that promotes the growth of home equity and equitable wealth for hardest hit communities of color.” said Odette Williamson, attorney and director of National Consumer Law Center’s Racial Justice and Equal Economic Opportunity project.