Senate Passes the Inflation Reduction Act in Historic Move for Climate

Photo by Andy Porter.

On August 7, the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which invests $369 billion in renewable energy, environmental justice programs, old-growth forest protections, and other measures.  

If passed by the House, the bill would help the US cut emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030.

After 18 months of debate, name changes, and various political intrigue, the bill’s passage is welcome news at the time we need it most. Scientists have warned us that this is the decade to act. In Washington state alone, we have seen deadly heat waves, flooding, and atmospheric rivers increase as the climate crisis intensifies. Unless federal and local leaders act swiftly, we are at greater threat of losing all that makes Washington unique, including our national parks, our forests, clean air, and fresh water. 

The senate passage is a sigh of relief, and was made possible thanks to grassroots pressure from Washington Wild supporters and people across the country. We expect to see the Inflation Reduction Act on the House floor this week. Tell your Representative there’s no time to wait: Pass the Inflation Reduction Act now.