NRDC Report: How Local Leaders Can Shape Infrastructure Spending

WASHINGTON – With historic federal infrastructure funding available, local communities have an unprecedented opportunity to address the twin challenges of inequity and climate change, according to a new report from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).

Act Locally, the new guide for local advocates and public officials, provides details for maximizing the climate and equity benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act. These new investments will total a record of nearly $3 trillion through 2026.

“We have a historic opportunity to build stronger, more resilient and equitable communities,” said Shelley Poticha, managing director for regional impact at NRDC. “Community leaders need to use all the tools they have so that we don’t repeat the failed policies of the past, which led to ever-wider highways, divided communities, and a continued reliance on dirty energy.”

This 36-page road map for local advocates and officials is a crucial resource because such a large share of the infrastructure law and IRA funds are being distributed through the states. Act Locally details specific funding sources laid out by the infrastructure and the IRA, and it shows how these funds can best be utilized. 

Key recommendations from the report include:
 

• Invest what had been called highway funding in more sustainable and equitable options such as public transportation, protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and vehicle charging; 
• Build out vehicle electrification to benefit all communities;
• Decarbonize buildings, especially for the underserved and communities of color;
• Invest in workforce training;
• Provide technical assistance to deepen local capacity.
   

“We need community-led solutions that can reduce pollution, increase equity, and meaningfully improve the lives of people in big cities, suburbs, tribes, and small towns,” John Bailey, senior transportation advocate at NRDC and a co-author of the report. “We can do better, and Act Locally can help communities make the best use of these resources.”

For more on the report, please see this blog. 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.