Biden Budget Provides Much Needed Increases to Climate-Forward Resources

(Washington, D.C. –March 28, 2022) Today President Biden released the outlines of his Fiscal Year 2023 budget request that includes critical environmental and clean energy investments to move the U.S. forward in solving the climate crisis.

“After years of underfunding at our core environmental agencies and for environmental programs throughout the federal government, we have the opportunity and the resources to once again implement science-based policies which will promote innovative climate research, advance environmental justice, and create clean energy jobs here at home,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President at Environmental Defense Fund.  “Unlike the previous administration’s years of attacks on environmental enforcement and public health protections, President Biden’s budget proposal shows a renewed national commitment to cutting emissions and reducing the impact of climate change.”

EDF applauds the numerous public health and climate wins in this budget, which include:

• $11.9 billion for EPA, an increase of $2.25 billion from the FY22 enacted level, including increased funding for TSCA efforts and air quality monitoring.
• $48.2 billion for the Department of Energy, an increase of $3.3 billion from the FY22 enacted level.
• $17.5 billion for the Department of the Interior, an increase of $3.6 billion from the FY22 enacted level.
• $6.9 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an increase of $1.02 billion over the FY22 enacted level.
• $700 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy, while also proposing expanded authority for the agency to close gaps in the climate fight.
• Over $321 million to clean up abandoned mines and orphaned oil and gas wells, complementing the $16 billion provided in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.
• $1.4 billion under the Department of Transportation to deploy a nationwide, publicly accessible network of electric vehicle chargers and other alternative fueling infrastructure
• $11 billion for international climate finance, including $1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund.

Congress should follow the president’s lead and enact these strong, climate-forward investments to protect American families.