The Inflation Reduction Act

September 7, 2023
Inflation Reduction Act in text over solar panels

The headlines this summer have been scary: “Heat advisory in effect;” “After a year of extreme floods and severe drought, what is Missouri doing about climate change?” “St. Louis outdoor venues plan for high heat, poor air quality;” “Missouri is a top state for climate disasters;” and on and on.

Climate change has hit Missouri. The people are taking notice and they are demanding action. Climate change means more extreme weather events which impact our health, economy, infrastructure, and lives. Our current energy structure fuels climate change. It is also highly inefficient, expensive, outdated, and inequitable with our most vulnerable families shouldering the brunt of the costs both financial and health-related.

We need real action at the federal, state, and local level. Unfortunately, polluters and status-quo politicians are still more interested in turning a profit than protecting our planet and the people that live on it. They have not only been slow to take action on climate change but have actively fought life-saving environmental protections, environmental policy, modern pollution controls, and have actively fought against progress at a state or even local level. Even worse, some still deny the existence of climate change and anti-environmental rhetoric is still rampant in our media, corporate board rooms, and the halls of our state capitol.

But a new opportunity has arisen that may change things. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in clean energy, infrastructure, and our economy. This urgently needed investment of federal funds can help us meet our climate goals, make our communities more sustainable and adaptable to climate change, and provide resources to those hit first and worst by the climate crisis. We need our state and local decision makers to take advantage of these funds now. Missourians can't afford to leave this money on the table.

What is the IRA? The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) was passed as an initiative 
of the Biden Administration. It includes more than 100 programs 
that will invest about $369 billion in climate action, clean energy jobs, 
and environmental justice. 
 Collectively, these unprecedented investments will put us on a path 
to cutting climate pollution by 40% by 2030 and advancing 
economic, and environmental justice.
 While the IRA does not help us achieve all our climate goals, 
it marks the single biggest investment in climate action 
by Congress to date.

The IRA has benefits and opportunities for cities, tribal governments, states, utilities, local groups, renters, and homeowners! Unfortunately, utilities like Ameren, Evergy, Springfield CU, and more are not currently taking full advantage of IRA opportunities for their long-term planning. This short-sighted approach will only cost Missourians more both in our pocketbooks and our public health. This is unacceptable.  Check out the links below to learn more about the IRA, then contact us to learn more about what you can do to move your city or utility away from dirty fossil fuels and towards this historic investment in our future.

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