Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House passed the largest investment ever in climate and clean energy, sending the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) to President Biden’s desk for signing. This historic legislation directs $369 billion to over 100 programs that together will chart a path to reducing emissions by 40 percent by the end of the decade.
See our detailed analysis on the crucial investments included in this bill.
In response, Ramon Cruz, President of the Sierra Club released the following statement:
“After decades of working tirelessly to get these climate, jobs, and justice investments passed by Congress, and after decades of dedicated campaigning by a movement of movements, we have finally scored a critical victory.
“We would never have reached this historic turning point in climate action without the passion, dedication, and hard work of thousands of individuals across the country. These transformational investments have been secured thanks to this people-powered movement — everyone who called or met with their members of Congress, supported the effort on social media, wrote a letter to the editor, attended a rally or protest, donated, or talked to their friends and family.
“The road to passage of these investments has been long and rocky. The Sierra Club extends gratitude to all our Congressional champs who helped steer it to its destination — those who advocated for this bill, negotiated this bill, and voted for this bill. Thanks to Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for their unending commitment to finding a path forward. Thanks to President Biden for his leadership on climate; we look forward to watching this once-in-a-generation investment package be signed into law.
“Of course, we cannot celebrate this moment with unabated joy. It is unacceptable that oil and gas leasing provisions in the bill will be tied to clean energy development, especially threatening frontline communities. Sacrifice zones are a direct product of racism and classism, and have no place in a climate bill. The Sierra Club will continue to support Black, Indigenous, low-income, and communities of color that are disproportionately affected by such practices. We will demand equitable implementation, making sure communities most directly affected are prioritized. And we will keep fighting on behalf of all communities across the country struggling with rising prices, climate-fueled disasters, and systemic injustice.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is not the end of our call for climate action, but a significant beginning of real progress toward the healthy and safe future each of us deserves.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.