WATERVILLE — Colby College students gathered in the center of campus Jan. 26 to call on Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act.

The students came together to amplify the importance of federal climate action and social change — both included in the bill, according to a news release from the college. Senate negotiations on the bill are ongoing, and a vote on portions of the bill is expected in the coming weeks.

To reflect this urgency, Colby students formed the shape of three “Bs” — for Build Back Better — in the snow. The event was co-organized by Colby’s Environmental Coalition and Maine Conservation Voters.

“The Build Back Better Act is an incredible chance to work towards a healthier earth and a more equitable society. We need to take this chance seriously,” said Chloe Shader, student at Colby College and intern at Maine Conservation Voters. “The window of opportunity is closing, so we must act now. It is time to take care of our climate and our communities.”

“The Build Back Better Act is our last, best chance to pass federal investments at the scale and speed that the climate crisis and systemic injustice demand,” said Francesca Gundrum, communications manager at Maine Conservation Voters. “We need Congress to pass these investments in clean energy, good paying union jobs, and environmental justice for all Maine communities.”