John,

Congress just passed the Inflation Reduction Act — the U.S.’s first meaningful investment to stop the climate crisis. The IRA is not the Green New Deal and it’s far from perfect, but it’s a start. 

Today marks a big step forward for our movement and for the millions of people like you and me who just want to breathe clean air, drink clean water and live in safe, healthy communities where everyone can thrive. We are the ones who made this moment possible.

Just a few years ago, pundits and politicians treated the climate crisis as an afterthought. But young people sat-in, marched, went on hunger strike, turned out voters and organized by the thousands to make elected officials address the existential crisis facing our generation. The passage of a climate and jobs plan is a testament to the power our movement has built. To everyone who joined a phone bank, organized a school strike or took action with your hub, we see you. Thank you.

I wish I could call today an outright victory for our movement, but it’s clear we have more work to do. The IRA is a forced compromise between corporate oil lobbyists and our generation. It contains massive handouts to fossil fuel millionaires and Joe Manchin, who spent over a year manipulating our broken system for their own benefit, wasting time we simply don’t have.

I’m furious that executives of oil and gas companies used communities on the frontlines of oil drilling in the Gulf and pipeline expansion in Appalachia as bargaining chips. If you’re feeling angry that corrupt politicians continue to sacrifice your community, that is valid. If you’re feeling fired up to keep fighting for good, dignified jobs for all, that is valid. If you’re feeling uncertain about what to feel, that is valid too.

The truth is, we need more from our government and we need leaders who are ready to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and fight for us. Today, it’s as clear to me as ever that the only way we will win a Green New Deal is by building an unstoppable movement in every corner of this country. Only movements have the power to change what is politically possible. Only movements can take the wheel of history and turn it. Movements got us this far, and one day, movements will make the Green New Deal a reality.

Our work continues, and I’m eager to talk more with all of you about what today’s news means for our organizing. Next week, we’ll host a call for leaders in our movement to come together and reflect on what’s next for us. I’d be so thrilled if you joined us – you can sign up right here.

As the first phase of our movement comes to a close, I’m feeling grateful. Grateful to you and every person doing the long, hard work of movement building. Today, let’s celebrate what we’ve accomplished. Tomorrow, let’s get back to work. Sure as the sun rises each morning, I believe that we will win.

Varshini