Dear Friends,

53 years ago, the U.S. celebrated the inaugural Earth Day, catapulting the issue of environmental preservation into the national political dialogue. In 1970, there was no Clean Air Act and no Clean Water Act. The founding of Earth Day was an attempt by a Democratic Senator to encourage mainstream America to turn their attention to the harmful consequences of a polluted environment on human health, and the health of all living organisms.

Less than six months later, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency devoted to environmental issues: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

I’m proud to say that in the past two years, we have made the most significant, concrete progress towards combating climate change since this country’s inaugural celebration of Earth Day. The 117th Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a milestone that included $369 billion for clean energy technology and emissions reduction over the next 10 years. In Connecticut specifically, this investment is translating into:

• $2.6 billion in funding that would directly benefit Connecticut’s shoreline — for coastal preservation projects along the Long Island Sound to protect marine habitats from extreme storms and build more flood-resilient infrastructure.
• $27 billion for a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, modeled after my National Green Bank Act, helping low-to-moderate-income families in Connecticut reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
• $630 million of investment in Connecticut-based clean energy jobs across solar, wind and storage between now and 2030.
• $8 billion in grants administered by the EPA to reduce climate and air pollution in our towns and cities.

Swimming in the Sound, biking down tree-lined backroads, harvesting oysters at Tod’s Point – these are all part of what makes up the beauty of living in Southwest Connecticut. Investments from the IRA will ensure our children and grandchildren will have the chance to experience this same beauty.

Earth Day demonstrated what can be accomplished with public support. The same is true today - the role of environmental advocates, activists, and everyday citizens concerned about our planet helped this transformative legislation become law.

Please know that I will not stop advocating for action on climate change. If you have questions about the energy tax credits and rebates you might be eligible for under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can find information on my website or call my office at 202-225-554.

Sincerely,

Jim