Table of Contents: Senate passes historic climate policy Take action this week Grasstops: Businesses support IRA Upcoming trainings

On Sun., Aug. 7, the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act by one vote. The bill, which is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives within days, includes by far the largest and most consequential measures to reduce domestic climate pollution in the nation’s history, with a $386 billion clean energy investment, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

CCL's grassroots energy helped keep climate change on the agenda for congressional action throughout months of an uncertain reconciliation process.

“We've generated tens of thousands of calls and messages to Congress since the process last year, including more than 7,000 calls and emails to Democratic Senators in the week leading up to this vote,” said CCL Executive Director, Madeleine Para in a statement. “This climate victory belongs to all the grassroots advocates across the country who have worked for decades to advance solutions to climate change.”

Based on analyses by several energy modeling groups, the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by the year 2030, significantly narrowing the gap between the U.S.’s current path and its Paris Climate Agreement commitment. CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli writes about the pivotal legislation for Yale Climate Connections, which can be read below.

The work of CCL volunteers has been crucial in bringing us to this historic moment.

In other news this week:

• Thank your Democratic Senator: If you have a Democratic Senator, be sure to thank them for voting “yes” on this historic climate policy. Thank them here.
• Register for CCL’s Inclusion Conference: Join us virtually for CCL’s very first Inclusion Conference! The conference, taking place Sept. 17, will be a safe space to be yourself and share your stories, experiences, successes, and struggles with the goal of moving forward in climate action and solidarity. Register here.
• Colorado CCL chapter honors climate hero: Ed Perlmutter has been a U.S. Representative for 16 years and has had a warm, productive relationship with CCLers in his district. As he retires from Congress, his CCL constituents honor his legacy of public service. Read more here.
• Preventing burnout as a climate advocate: Learn how to practice resilience while engaging in climate advocacy. Read more here.