Friend, we did it! President Biden just signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest federal climate and clean energy bill in American history.

 Friend, I can’t overstate how big of a victory this is for our movement, for our state, and for our planet.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a historic down payment towards tackling the climate crisis and addressing the greatest challenge of our time. With $369 billion earmarked toward climate over the next 10 years, the IRA could achieve 80% of President Biden’s goal to reduce U.S. emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2030.

This bill will foster new programs, technologies, and jobs to meet this moment, creating a federal roadmap of a greener future. And you’ll reap the benefits in your communities, from reduced pollution to more electric vehicles and public transportation to lower costs for cleaner energy. (That’s on top of the health care and tax fairness benefits that are also in the bill.)

Friend, this proves big change is still possible when we do the hard work of advocacy and organizing. I mean it. There were so many points where any federal climate bill was thought to be dead, but activists like you never gave up, and our team and so many other climate champions across this state and country kept at it.

We also wouldn’t be celebrating this historic victory if the Democrats didn’t win the White House, Senate, and House in 2020. When we win elections, it changes what’s possible — something important to keep in mind with the midterm elections less than three months away.

California’s fingerprints are all over this bill, from investments in coastal restoration to fire prevention to electric vehicle credits. This is a huge win for our country but a result of the advocacy of Californians (including members of this team taking part in Advocacy Day!). Of course, the IRA would not have passed without Yes votes from our Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla and the tiebreaking vote from California’s own, Vice President Kamala Harris.

While the IRA isn’t perfect, it absolutely will move the needle in the climate fight. It’s just the start of what we must accomplish in order to address the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.

It’s important to celebrate hard-fought wins, friend, so pat yourself on the back. Enjoy this moment. Then let’s get back to work building on this historic moment and pushing for more.

With hope and warmth,

Mary Creasman
Chief Executive Officer
California Environmental Voters
(formerly California League of Conservation Voters)

EnviroVoters is hiring! Join us to work on critical climate legislation work.

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), formerly California League of Conservation Voters, exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. To protect our air, land, water, and future, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is to solve the climate crisis, build resilient, connected, healthy communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.