John — We've been waiting to send you this email for a very long time:
The U.S. House just passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which contains the largest investment in our nation's history to combat the climate crisis and transition the United States to a clean energy economy!
The Inflation Reduction Act will cut planet-warming pollution ~40% by 2030, create millions of good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector, and help save households ~$1,000 a year on energy costs.
While this legislation is not perfect – it doesn’t do everything we need, and it contains provisions that we wish it didn’t – we are living in a now-or-never moment and we simply cannot waste time waiting for a perfect climate bill. Experts have issued a "code red for humanity" and warned that we'll reach a point of no return unless we take action now. Finally, thankfully, that's what this bill does.
This historic legislation — which President Biden will soon sign — was only possible because of the many months of activism by MCV members and supporters like you and our allies across Maine and across the country, who have tirelessly fought for real climate action.
You made this possible with thousands upon thousands of petition signatures, emails, and calls to Maine’s federal delegation. You showed up to rallies and protests in rain, shine, and snow to make your voices heard. You created amazing artwork, visited policymakers in-person, staked #ActOnClimate signs in your yards, and wrote dozens of letters to the editor.
This is all to say: Thank you for helping make history today.
Our work is far from over, of course, and in the coming weeks and months, we'll need your help to keep up the pressure to ensure policymakers here in Maine and in Washington keep their commitment to protecting our communities and climate future. We’ll work to urgently implement more policies to reduce emissions, grow our green economy, and protect those impacted “first and worst” by the climate crisis. We’ll press forward at the local, state, and federal levels, and we won’t stop until we’ve helped secure an equitable climate future for all.
But this day was a long time coming, so let’s soak it in and celebrate. Congratulations on this incredible victory for our future 🎉🎉🎉
Yours,
Kathleen
