The Inflation Reduction Act is the most aggressive measure against the climate crisis in American history. It marks the beginning of a new generation: one where the country prioritize climate innovation and adaptation.
The bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden on Aug. 7, directs $369 billion to climate change prevention and combat by driving down carbon emissions, creating millions of well-paying jobs, focusing environmental justice initiatives on disadvantaged communities and lowering energy costs through rebate programs, among other investments.
This bill will revolutionize our relationship with climate change for the better.
After a seemingly tumultuous few years, in which greedy politicians and their backward-minded decisions have smothered our hopes for our country, this bill shoots out of the hopeless abyss, signaling we should put a little more faith in our government.
Of course, it is hard to do so given that, over the past few years, America has proved itself nearly indistinguishable from a televised government satire. Presidential election fiascos, feminist advances being rescinded and a truckload more have affected trust in the government.
But the U.S. government has never passed a bill of this scale. For years, we have watched our nation suffer at the hands of those who refuse to acknowledge climate change’s disastrous effects. By passing this bill and signing into effect some of the most momentous, groundbreaking advancements, our legislators are finally addressing the biggest long-term crisis plaguing humanity.
According to the White House, we are positioned to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By 2030, homes, businesses and communities will be powered by 950 million solar panels. The bill will also advance clean energy projects for 42 million rural inhabitants, create millions of well-paying jobs and protect two million acres of national forests. Yet, the Inflation Reduction Act barely scratches the surface of all the tasks we need to accomplish, from discouraging fossil fuel use to addressing housing affordability. All caveats aside, this bill is the first federal effort to achieve an environmentally idyllic America.
Still, this billion-dollar expenditure deserves recognition as it signals a change in our lawmakers’ attitudes. We have a long way to go, but we have now proved we are ready to begin the journey toward an economically and environmentally thriving country. America may finally be moving in the right direction.
