Senate Takes Bold Action to Help American People and Confront Climate

"This is a landmark in the fight to protect ourselves from climate change. Today the Senate voted for a stronger economy, healthier communities and a more stable future.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is an ambitious investment in the American people, as rising inflation and the climate crisis are disrupting our lives. This robust package of tax credits will lower costs for families and businesses and create more than 9 million good jobs by ramping up American-made clean energy.

“We must move toward renewable energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to stabilize the climate. This bill will bring us much closer to President Biden’s goal of cutting climate pollution in half by 2030 – and return the U.S. to a leadership role in the work to ensure a livable future.

“I recognize that this bill is not perfect, but it is a very big win for the climate and our economy. It will make electric vehicles, solar panels, and efficient appliances more affordable and drive down methane pollution from oil and gas operations. It will help famers and rural communities cut emissions and prepare for climate impacts that cannot be avoided.

“The bill will invest $60 billion in environmental justice, an important step toward addressing legacies of disinvestment and pollution burden in mostly Black, Latino, Indigenous and low-income communities — and ensuring these communities benefit from a clean energy future. While the bill ushers unprecedented resources toward environmental justice, much more will be needed. We must prioritize addressing environmental justice concerns as emerging technologies are developed and deployed.

“I am thankful for Senator Schumer’s leadership on this bill and know that Speaker Pelosi plans to move it quickly to the president’s desk. The Speaker has delivered key wins for the climate since she first assumed leadership of the House, and I appreciate her commitment and tenacity. This bill outlines a promise of a better future for the American people.” 

            - Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund