To the Editor:
Hurricane season will be starting again in just over two weeks. Another dangerous and above-average season is forecast. At least this year we can see that some actions are being taken to address the climate chaos that is contributing to more intense hurricanes and other climate disasters.
President Biden’s proposed American Jobs Plan focuses on jobs and infrastructure in a way that looks at both the impact and the cause of climate change. The plan would make our infrastructure more resilient to climate impacts, while including initiatives to reduce emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate change. We know that North Carolina is no stranger to the impact of climate change: more intense hurricanes, drought, heat waves and rising sea level.
The administration’s plan would provide not only funding for roads and bridges, but also for sustainable housing and buildings, electric vehicles, and research and development for clean energy technology.
Extreme heat, floods, forest fires and the like pose dire threats to our energy, water, transportation and communications infrastructure. We must encourage Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr and Representatives Ted Budd and David Price to pass The American Jobs Plan to bring good work, improved infrastructure, and real protection to Chatham County and North Carolina.
Vickie Atkinson
Chapel Hill