FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
CONTACT: Liane Jollon, Executive Director, 970-769-0354, liane@westernleaders.org
Jessica Pace, Program Director, 615-294-2049, jess@westernleaders.org
Western Leaders Network, Appalachian Leaders Network respond to Senate Passage of Reconciliation Bill
Senate Bill will stymy local, tribal and state government efforts to address climate change and defend democracy
Today, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the reconciliation bill, which contains far-reaching consequences for communities across the Interior West and Ohio River Valley regions.
Western Leaders Network Executive Director Liane Jollon released the following statement:
“From cutting programs and tax credits that protect our climate to limiting judicial oversight, so much of this overreaching bill defies both public consensus and established democratic norms. Local, tribal and state elected officials rely on federal programs and support to reduce pollution, protect public health, invest in clean energy projects, bring jobs to their communities, ensure free and fair elections, protect public lands, and so much more. Today’s vote threatens to derail that progress.
“What’s more, advancing sweeping policy changes through budget reconciliation is a misuse of a process designed for narrow budget adjustments. This bill originally included provisions so problematic, they were removed by the Senate parliamentarian – including provisions that would have restricted federal courts’ authority to hold government officials accountable.
“Senators who voted to support this bill are putting powerful interests over democratic principles and what’s best for their constituents. WLN will continue working with and supporting local leaders in defending our democracy, advancing clean energy transitions and building a healthier climate future for all.”
Background
In a narrow 51-50 vote after a marathon overnight session, President Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill" passed out of the Senate on Tuesday. The bill now returns to the House, where representatives will navigate significant changes the Senate made to the original House version. A final vote is expected before July 4.
Some of the impacts of the Senate bill would include:
Costing an estimated 300,000 clean energy jobs nationwide, according to Solar Energy Industries Association
Delaying the Waste Emissions Charge for methane polluters, which would increase the national deficit by $1.5 billion over 10 years, according to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office
Blocking the federal government from enforcing its own fuel economy standards, which have saved drivers trillions of dollars
Western Leaders Network and Appalachian Leaders Network harness the influence of more than 1,000 local, tribal, and state elected and appointed officials across the Interior West and Ohio River Valley region to advance energy transition, clean air and water initiatives, and democracy protections.