A roundup of news on the planning-related consequences of the reported demise of the Build Back Better Act—a $2 trillion social spending bill intended to accompany the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved earlier this year.
By now you have probably seen the news that the $2 trillion social spending bill known as the Build Back Better Act (BBB) has been dealt what appears to be a final defeat by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia). The bill, once included as a portion of a larger budget reconciliation bill, was split off from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to ensure the latter's approval in November, but with the promise of a consensus on BBB by the end of the year.
The demise of BBB means hundreds of billions in potential projects and programs directly related to the field of planning have suddenly vanished. Planetizen will continue to monitor the news for more insight into the consequences of BBB's failure for planners around the country, but a roundup of what we have found so far follows. So far, articles can be organized into two categories: climate change and political intrigue. As of this writing, there is not yet post-Manchin news and commentary on the placed-based initiatives, affordable housing programs, and zoning reform programs proposed in BBB.
Climate Change
- Joe Manchin may have doomed American climate policy (Vox, December 19)
- Manchin Rejects Landmark Legislation, Putting Biden’s Climate Goals at Risk (The New York Times, December 19)
- Manchin says Build Back Better's climate measures are risky. That's not true (NPR, December 19)
- Manchin’s opposition to Build Back Better bill undercuts Biden’s climate agenda (The Washington Post, December 19)
- Manchin killing Build Back Better is ‘devastating’ to climate change action, experts say (Yahoo News, December 20
- 'I'm kind of speechless': Democrats scramble to salvage climate provisions after Manchin sinks Build Back Better (CNN, December 20)
Politics
- Joe Manchin Kills the Build Back Better Bill (The New Yorker, December 19)
- Joe Manchin Just Tore Out the Heart of Biden’s Agenda (Rolling Stone, December 19)
- Schumer vows vote on Build Back Better legislation despite Manchin’s opposition (The Washington Post, December 20)
'Inflation Reduction Act' a Mixed Bag for Climate Action, Planning Innovation
A roundup of all the emerging news and commentary regarding the Inflation Reduction Act, which last week broke through a Congressional roadblock to resuscitate some, but not nearly all, of the Build Back Better legislation that failed in 2021.
Bipartisan 'Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act' Passes the Senate
A final vote of 69-30, with 19 Republicans joining their Democratic colleagues in the Senate, will send the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the House.
The Surprising Oil Tax in the Inflation Reduction Act
President Biden has made reducing gas prices paramount in his administration, so it was likely a surprise to hear a Republican senator last Sunday warn TV viewers that a revived and increased oil fee in the climate bill will increase their gas costs.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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