Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- This afternoon, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, a critical and long-awaited step forward on our path to a 100% clean energy future. This landmark package — the largest climate investment in American history — will invest billions of dollars in tax credits and other programs that could reduce carbon emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.
In response, Sierra Club President Ramon Cruz released the following statement:
“This day will be remembered by future generations as the turning of the tide against the fossil fuel industry and toward a healthier, cleaner, and more just future for all people across this country. Thanks to President Biden for holding fast to his climate commitments. Thanks also to our Congressional champs who tenaciously fought to keep the package’s investments as large and standards as equitable as possible.
“This is nowhere near the end of the climate action we need, but it’s a beginning. The IRA is not the climate bill we wanted; its oil and gas leasing provisions continue to place a heavy burden on frontline communities in places like the Gulf South that have already suffered decades of disproportionate pollution. The Sierra Club will continue to do everything in our power to defend against the harmful effects of fossil fuel development, mitigate climate-fueled disasters, and ensure environmental justice in every community — including by fighting like hell in the coming months to block any potential efforts that would weaken our environmental protections or green-light additional fossil fuel infrastructure.
“Our work continues, yet we celebrate this moment as a hard-won victory by our people-powered movement. We share deep gratitude for the massive grassroots effort that got this bill over the line. And we look forward to passing more, better, and bigger climate action in the months and years to come.”
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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.