Today’s historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in Congress will have far-reaching implications for our environmental future. By significantly increasing our investment in renewable energy, it puts the United States on track to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and within striking distance of meeting our global commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 through further state and presidential action.
Passage of this bill comes at a critical moment in time. Reports indicate that the Arctic is warming faster than previously believed. Large swaths of the world continue to bake under relentless heat and drought. The world as we know it is at a precipice. This is the largest investment in climate solutions Congress has ever passed. That’s the good news. Is it enough? Not yet.
The bad news is, that like any legislative package, this bill comes with some very harmful compromises, further incentivizing the fossil fuel industry that is causing the climate crisis. When scientific consensus is telling us that we need to stop burning fossil fuels immediately to avoid the worst climate outcomes, these so-called “tradeoffs” are not only illogical but also place an unfair burden on frontline communities impacted by oil and gas development.
So as we celebrate this as a climate victory, we also steel ourselves for the work ahead to right these injustices and to achieve the full emissions reductions needed to stave off the worst of the climate crisis. As we look ahead, Prairie Rivers Network is ready to lead Illinois in implementing this historic legislation, helping communities across the state see its benefits, and ensuring that all communities have a right to a clean, just, and healthy future.
