Senate Must Pass the Inflation Reduction Act

WASHINGTON, DC -- As the Senate begins debate on the largest investment ever in climate action and clean energy, the Sierra Club calls for swift passage of the strongest bill possible. See our detailed analysis on the crucial investments included in this bill.

In response, Leslie Fields, Sierra Club’s National Director of Policy Advocacy and Legal, released the following statement:

“Our communities that are being ravaged by floods, wildfires, droughts, and other climate-fueled disasters have waited too long for real action to address the interlocking crises of climate change, systemic racism, and public health. The $369 billion of climate and clean energy investments in the reconciliation bill will go far toward meeting our climate goals, helping families deal with rising prices, and advancing environmental justice. 

“At the same time, we must call out that the Inflation Reduction Act contains damaging oil and gas leasing provisions that will continue to disproportionately impact frontline communities in places like the Gulf South and Alaska. It is utterly unacceptable to treat any communities as sacrifice zones, and the Sierra Club commits to continuing to fight hard for the health and safety of these communities.

“We also call for Democrats to continue to reject the bad-faith efforts by Republican senators to undermine climate provisions, give handouts to the oil and gas industry, and weaken the bill’s environmental justice investments.

“We're urging Congress to pass this bill, despite its shortcomings, because it may represent our last opportunity to pass transformative climate legislation within this decade. We cannot wait any longer for climate action.”