95 ORGANIZATIONS CELEBRATE HISTORIC HOUSE PASSAGE OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2022
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected]
95 ORGANIZATIONS CELEBRATE HISTORIC HOUSE PASSAGE OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic deal to lower the cost of health care, prescription drugs, and energy costs while reducing the deficit and ensuring large corporations pay their fair share. On the heels of this momentous step forward for President Biden’s economic agenda, 95 organizations weighed in to celebrate this victory for working and middle class families.
See below for a snapshot of the statements from groups celebrating Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act:
Danielle Melfi, Executive Director, Building Back Together: “For years, the American people have called on their government to lower health care and prescription drug costs, protect our climate and lower energy bills, and make our tax system fairer. President Biden, together with Democrats in Congress, delivered. The Inflation Reduction Act answers these calls for action while also lowering the deficit. And it’s paid for by ensuring the ultra wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share – while not raising taxes a single cent on working families. Today, despite united opposition from MAGA politicians – who would rather help line the pockets of big corporations than lower costs for the middle class – House Democrats sided with working families and voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act. We applaud them for their support of this crucial legislation and look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law, delivering on yet another key component of his cost-cutting agenda for working families.”
Jo Ann Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, AARP: “Today is a momentous day for older Americans. By passing the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress has made good on decades of promises to lower the price of prescription drugs. Seniors should never have to choose between paying for needed medicine or other necessities like food or rent, and tens of millions of adults in Medicare drug plans will soon have peace of mind knowing their out-of-pocket expenses are limited every year. Many people said this couldn’t be done, but AARP isn’t afraid of a hard fight. We kept up the pressure, and now, for the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices, saving seniors money on their medications. I thank the House members whose votes today will bring real relief to millions of Americans, and I look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law.”
Liz Zelnick, Spokesperson, Accountable.US: “Across industries, highly profitable corporations that pay virtually nothing in taxes and gifted, wealthy investors with billions of dollars in handouts had the ability to stabilize prices for everyday families – but most chose to profiteer. The President and Congress took a big step forward in cracking down on corporate greed, bringing down prices, and making rich corporate interests finally pay their fair share. The Congressional conservatives that obstructed made their own choice – choosing to keep prices sky high for struggling seniors and families to appease their tax-evading industry donors. These lawmakers that have taken millions from corporate interests have never missed an opportunity to blame the President for inflation challenges, yet have desperately tried to block every effort to do something about it. Putting American families above special interests will always be best for the economy and our country.”
Nat Kreamer, CEO, Advanced Energy Economy: “This era-defining agreement should mark the beginning of the end for fossil fuel dominance in America. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, clean energy technologies will be fully unleashed. Clean energy manufacturers and developers alike will now have the right financial tools and the policy certainty they need to produce and buy the components that power these innovative technologies here in America. That’s going to translate into millions of family-supporting jobs and billions in energy savings for American households.”
Greg Regan, President, and Shari Semelsberger, Secretary-Treasurer, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO: “The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a historic win for working people. The IRA’s landmark investments in our clean energy economy and quality of life improvements, including lower healthcare costs, will help ensure that we build back a more equitable economy that benefits all Americans. Moreover, this legislation ensures the creation of millions of good union jobs by including core labor protections in many of its programs. We applaud President Biden – and every Member of Congress who voted in favor of this legislation – for prioritizing working people over wealthy corporations. We thank Majority Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi for their leadership, and look forward to working with the Biden Administration to ensure that IRA grant opportunities are coupled with the free and fair choice to join a union.”
Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME: “The historic Inflation Reduction Act is more great news for working families. By allowing the federal government to negotiate Medicare drug prices and penalizing corporations for hiking up costs, lifesaving medication will no longer be a luxury but a guarantee. Seniors will no longer be forced to choose between paying for their medication or mortgage, and the extension of ACA subsidies will lower health care costs for 13 million people. By making historic investments in clean energy, we are creating a future where we aren’t just responding to climate disasters but preventing them. These investments and tax incentives will also create thousands of new good-paying union jobs, ensuring that working people will thrive in the green economy. And by requiring corporations to pay a minimum 15% income tax and making it harder for the wealthy to skirt their tax obligations, we are creating a fairer path forward where working people aren’t the only ones paying their fair share. We commend House legislators for working diligently to pass this vital legislation which sets our nation on a brighter path forward. This path is strengthened by steady, strong job growth, leading us to the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years.”
Richard Fiesta, President, Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA): “The Alliance has been fighting to give Medicare the right to negotiate lower prices for more than two decades. The action taken by Congress today sends a strong message to seniors that lower drug prices are closer than ever. Now that the House, the Senate and Vice President Kamala Harris have voted, our members look forward to President Biden quickly making this legislation the law of the land. When he does, we will finally be putting seniors ahead of pharmaceutical corporations to deliver lower drug prices for the American people.”
Ceci Connolly, President and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans: “This is a win for consumers and will provide relief to families struggling to pay everyday bills. By extending enhanced ACA subsidies, millions of Americans no longer have to worry whether they can keep their high-quality, affordable coverage, ACHP member companies have always been champions of protecting access to coverage and care, as demonstrated by our steadfast commitment to the individual market. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote affordability, maintain continuity of coverage and care, and deliver better health for patients. Elected officials are finally tackling soaring drug prices and protecting consumers. While this is an important step forward, more must be done to hold drug companies accountable for their egregious pricing practices. We are ready to continue working with Congress and the Administration on finding new ways to reduce the cost of valuable therapies.”
John Costa, President, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU): “This bill will positively impact working people in very real ways. By creating millions of good-paying jobs here in America, lowering energy and healthcare costs, protecting our planet, and changing our tax system with big corporations finally paying their fair share, this legislation is an incredible step forward in our pursuit for economic and environmental justice. President Biden pledged to give working people more affordable and accessible healthcare, prescriptions, energy, and to fight climate change to ensure a habitable planet to live on. This bill will help accomplish that. We want to thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the Democratic majority in Congress for persisting throughout this process to bring this win home. This vote shows that despite opposition, Congress can still get things done on behalf of the American people.”
Dr. Robert Gabbay, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, American Diabetes Association: “Having health insurance is the single strongest predictor of whether adults with diabetes have access to high-quality health care and are able to manage their diabetes. Uninsured Americans who are at risk for diabetes and its complications are much less likely to receive a diagnosis, and if they do get a diagnosis, they still average 60 percent fewer office visits with a physician and experience 168 percent more hospital visits than their insured counterparts. The expansion of these ACA health insurance subsidies will literally save lives of people with diabetes.”
Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers: “Today’s vote shows that with patience, persistence and the willingness to find solutions that address the real, kitchen-table problems American families face, Congress can change lives for the better. The Inflation Reduction Act drives down high healthcare costs, capping annual prescription drug costs that have crushed countless households. It takes on climate change to save the planet and lower families’ energy costs, all while reducing the deficit. It’s huge for workers, huge for older Americans and huge for our country, particularly our kids whose future depends on these historic investments.”
Heather Zichal, CEO, American Clean Power: “History was made in Washington today. After decades of failed attempts, passage of this bill marks the largest investment in domestic clean energy ever. Period. It also marks the point in time when the US decided to: get serious about climate change; invest in innovation and manufacturing; create hundreds of thousands of new jobs; and ensure that America takes the back seat to no one in the race to deploy clean energy. The IRA puts our industry on a path to produce enough clean power to fuel every home in America – 142 million – by 2030, up from 58 million today. There will be three times more clean energy on the electric grid. The average American will pocket over $1,000 per year in energy savings. It will more than double the clean energy workforce, creating 550,000 jobs and employing nearly 1 million Americans by 2030. Along with these benefits, we will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 2005 levels. This is truly an historic moment. We are grateful for the leadership from Congress and the White House as well as the advocates whose tireless efforts and persistence helped us get to this crucial moment for our economy, our country, and the planet.”
Blair Solow, MD, Chair of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee, American College of Rheumatology: “The Inflation Reduction Act contains several key provisions that will address high drug costs, reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses, and ensure more Americans living with rheumatic disease can access and afford the treatments and therapies they need to successfully manage their disease. The financial burden of skyrocketing drug prices has forced many of our patients to spread their treatment out longer than prescribed, delay care, abandon prescriptions, or forgo treatment entirely – all of which risks flare-ups, disease regression, permanent disability, and even premature death. The Inflation Reduction Act is an important step toward reducing this burden and ensuring our patients continue to receive the high-quality care they need and deserve.”
Gregory Wetstone, President and CEO, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE): “We have waited many years for this moment. With House passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Congress has acted to address the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. For more than a century, our tax code has been weighted to promote fossil fuels, but now we’re just a presidential signature away from a level playing field that will unleash dramatic clean energy growth. We cannot say that this bill alone will achieve our climate goals, but for the first time, it puts us on the path. For our part at ACORE, this is the culmination of years of determined efforts alongside our members and many allies. We look forward to working with the Biden administration as they implement this historic achievement, and work to build on it with additional measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Forest Policy, American Forests: “We are mere steps away from changing the fabric of our nation for the better with today’s House passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which infuses the biggest investment ever in urban and community forests while also supporting large forested landscapes to deliver on the power of trees. Through this landmark legislation, Congress is scaling up federal programs with a proven history of success in our communities while empowering local decision making, fostering local career development, and bringing essential climate benefits to neighborhoods lacking adequate tree canopy.”
Frank Clemente, Executive Director, Americans for Tax Fairness: “On behalf of the hundreds of endorsing organizations of the Americans for Tax Fairness coalition, I applaud House passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal in getting the job done. This legislation requires some of the nation’s most profitable billionaire corporations and wealthiest citizens to begin to contribute a fairer share of taxes to reduce the costs of essentials for working families and to make critical investments to save our planet from the devastation of climate change. Enactment into law of the IRA represents a historic rebuke of failed supply-side economics. Hopefully, it signals an end to 40 years of Congress cutting taxes on the rich and corporations based on the false notion that the benefits will trickle down to working people.”
Barbara R. Snyder, President, Association of American Universities: “This legislation will provide significant new resources for clean energy research and other projects designed to mitigate the effects of climate change, many focusing on communities which will be disproportionally affected. This important achievement is a good first step in what must be significantly boosted investment in clean energy and climate research; America’s leading research universities will continue developing innovative solutions to climate change and will help the United States and the world meet this unprecedented challenge.”
Gopal Patel, Co-Founder and Director, Bhumi Global: “This law is significant because it commits the United States to moving away from fossil fuels and giving ordinary Americans more clean energy options. It’s a game changer that could make the green economy the norm in America.”
Jason Walsh, Executive Director, BlueGreen Alliance: “Today’s vote is nothing less than historic. This transformative bill positions our nation to create good-paying union jobs while driving down the emissions causing climate change. The BlueGreen Alliance was founded on the principle that we do not have to choose between good jobs and a clean environment, we can and must have both. This bill embodies that principle and we thank those in Congress who have fought for its passage and for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Lisa Jacobson, President, Business Council for Sustainable Energy: “With nearly $370 billion in funding for climate, clean energy, and energy efficiency provisions, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act cannot be understated. This sweeping legislation provides new opportunities to fight inflation, reduce energy costs for American families and businesses, and create good paying jobs across the country. We commend the clean energy advocates in both the House and the Senate for successfully crafting an agreement that includes both climate change provisions and the clean energy and energy efficiency tax package. We are excited to see this promising legislation reach the President’s desk.”
Jose Aguto, Executive Director, Catholic Climate Covenant: “The Inflation Reduction Act provides authentic hope for future generations, bringing our nation and world closer to emissions reduction goals, closer to each other, and closer to a better world. At this moment, we especially celebrate the work of thousands of U.S. Catholics who joined the Encounter for Our Common Home campaign. In tandem with ecumenical and interfaith efforts, the faith community nationally sounded a moral call to federal legislators to care for creation and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters across the country and the globe.”
Elizabeth Small, General Counsel and Head of Policy, CDP: “The Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer for humanity, a bold action worthy of the environmental crisis we face. This bill is the most significant federal investment into clean energy and environmental justice in our nation’s history, and will help to lower energy costs, reduce climate-related risks and create millions of jobs. Investors, corporate leaders and local governments support it because they recognize that these investments are vital to innovation, growth, healthy supply chains and creating a US economy that can compete on the global stage. The job isn’t done but this is a historic step in the right direction.”
Patrick Gaspard, President and CEO, Center for American Progress: “Today, House Democrats stood up to lobbyists, Big Pharma, and Big Oil to vote for cleaner air, more affordable health care and prescription drugs, and to stop wealthy tax cheats from gaming the U.S. tax system. Not one House Republican was willing to do the same. Today’s historic accomplishment would not have been possible without the tremendous leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who kept her caucus united and focused on what they could deliver for the American people. And while I look forward to watching the president sign this historic bill soon, what is most exciting is the transformative impact it will have on millions of people, the economy, and the planet. With the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Chips and Science Act and now, the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden and his allies in Congress are delivering a shot of hope for the American people who have lost confidence in government’s ability to solve problems and do big things. The Inflation Reduction Act is a reminder that when government is in the right hands, America can shape the future like no other force on earth.”
Algernon Austin, Director of Race and Economic Justice, Center for Economic Policy and Research: “With daily news of floods, droughts, forest fires, and extreme heat—all exacerbated by climate change—it should be clear that everyone is at risk from more frequent and worsening natural disasters. It is also the case that climate change will cause disproportionate harm to low-income people and people of color residing in the lower half of the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The IRA’s historic investments in climate change mitigation efforts will benefit all, but will be particularly important for people of color. The act also has specifically designated funding for disadvantaged communities. Thankfully, some of our elected officials take the climate change threat to people and the planet seriously.”
Zach Friedman, Director of Federal Policy, Ceres: “At last, the U.S. is poised to take full advantage of the many benefits of the clean energy economy with ambitious legislation that has been decades in the making. The Inflation Reduction Act is not just the most ambitious piece of climate legislation in our nation’s history. It is also a major advancement in American economic development and industrial policy. It promises to bolster U.S. competitiveness now and in the coming decades, foster domestic supply chains and advanced manufacturing capabilities, reduce and stabilize costs for companies and families, invest in the communities that have too often been left behind, and combat the climate-related risks facing businesses, investors, and our economy.”
Madeleine Para, Executive Director, Citizens’ Climate Lobby: “This major climate bill is a demonstration of democracy in action. It takes time, effort, and negotiation from lawmakers to get significant legislation across the finish line. At CCL, we’re eager to build on today’s big step forward and continue to work for even more, and even better, climate action in the future.”
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Counsel, Clean Air Council: “After nearly two years of negotiations and stalemates, our country can take a deep breath, bask in this moment, and celebrate the fact that we finally have a historic climate bill that will move the country towards meaningful climate action. While no piece of legislation is perfect, the Inflation Reduction Act will make a historic $369 billion investment in climate change solutions, create millions of high-paying jobs in building America’s clean energy economy, and help prevent thousands of premature deaths by 2030. This bill is a game changer and a much-needed step in the right direction as most Americans are already facing the devastating impacts of climate change.”
Gregg Mast, Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy MN: “The Inflation Reduction Act meets the moment. The last year has proven to be the most significant in terms of clean energy technology investment in United States history. The investments included in this bill provide a powerful and much-needed market signal for clean energy businesses as well as profoundly important tax credits and incentives to rapidly decarbonize our homes and buildings. The creation of jobs, economic development and the energy savings this bill creates are hugely significant to all Minnesotans.”
Lynn Abramson, President, Clean Energy Business Network: “With the House passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, our country takes a monumental step forward in addressing climate change and fostering a more secure energy future. This package will catalyze cleantech deployment at scale and bring down the cost of advanced clean energy, efficiency, and transportation technologies. Families and businesses across the country stand to benefit through reduced energy costs and good-paying jobs.”
Helen Mountford, President and CEO, and John Podesta, Board Chair, ClimateWorks Foundation: “Today is a great day for people and the planet. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a historic step for the United States in taking decisive action to tackle the climate crisis, protect human health, and bring the benefits of a clean economy to all Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act, with its unprecedented climate and clean energy investments, represents the most significant steps taken to date by the United States to meet its commitments to reduce climate pollution and accelerate the transition to clean energy.”
Margie Alt, Director, Climate Action Campaign: “Thank you to the House Democratic Caucus for moving quickly to final passage of the historic investments in climate, clean energy, communities, and jobs in the Inflation Reduction Act, and sending it to President Biden for his signature! Our coalition of environmental, public health, and environmental justice advocates– backed by the support of a strong majority of Americans–worked tirelessly to make this day a reality. Finally, climate has won. This legislation takes the critical steps we need to put us on the path toward eliminating climate pollution and preventing the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, while making historic investments that lower costs for families. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is also making good on fulfilling the climate vision he ran on.”
Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston and Chair, Climate Mayors: “The Inflation Reduction Act is the biggest investment by Congress to address and accelerate climate action in U.S history, and a massive victory for cities and towns around the country. At last, local leaders will be granted the influx of tools and resources needed to combat the climate crisis, create jobs, and address environmental injustice in our communities. Mayors have long been at the frontlines of the climate crisis, doing what we can to move our communities and country closer to the Paris Agreement goals. This bill will be an incredible boost to those efforts. The funding outlined in this bill will allow cities around the country to bolster their clean energy capacity, restore manufacturing jobs, lower energy costs, and address pollution in marginalized communities. This legislation comes not a moment too soon as our cities grapple with extreme heat and an impending hurricane season that grows more devastating with each passing year. Thank you to President Biden, Senator Schumer, and leaders in the Senate and House for working tirelessly to get this bill across the finish line. There’s more to do, but help is finally on the way, and we look forward to shaping the clean energy economy of the future.”
Lori Lodes, Executive Director, Climate Power: “President Biden and Democrats in Congress just passed the most meaningful climate bill in US history. But this moment is a collective victory. Activists, organizers, and voters who demanded action brought us to this point. We wrote letters, we called, we voted, we held our leaders accountable, and we just took a ginormous step forward together. The work that went into delivering this moment and passing the Inflation Reduction Act is a testament to never giving up. It took decades of dedication — from young people, climate advocates, justice leaders, labor unions, scientists, and so many others – demanding climate action be a catalyst for much-needed change. Because of this legislation, everyday costs will go down for families. Energy will be cleaner and cheaper. Jobs will be created in small towns and big cities across the country. Neighborhoods will become more resilient in a changing climate. Air will get cleaner and water safer to drink. The benefits are huge, but there is more work to do. We can’t and won’t stop here.”
Former Vice President Al Gore, Climate Reality Project: “As the great American poet Wallace Stevens once wrote, ‘After the final no there comes a yes, and on that yes, the future world depends.’ Today, the United States said yes to climate action, demonstrating long-term climate leadership that the world can depend on. It took longer to reach this moment than many hoped or expected, but with the dedication of climate advocates in communities across the country, in the halls of the House and Senate, and in the White House, we have overcome one of our most persistent hurdles. The same scientists and advocates whose perseverance led to today’s historic vote will be the first to tell you that there is much more work left to do. Indeed, as soon as it is signed into law, we must move deliberately to ensure that this legislation is not only fully implemented, but improved upon. We must continue to fight for stronger measures to reduce emissions, and we must push back against the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure that is responsible for generations of environmental injustice across the country. This is progress that underscores the importance of electing leaders who champion climate science instead of denying it. Let us embrace this moment as a tipping point for climate action – in America and around the world.”
Coalition for Clean Air: “Today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is truly a landmark moment for air quality, public health and the planet’s climate. Though by no means perfect, the Inflation Reduction Act includes largest federal climate investment ever. The law’s $369 billion in climate investments will reduce climate-harming pollutants by 40% of 2005 levels by 2030. These investments will also result in cleaner, healthier air while also reducing energy costs and supporting a healthy economy. Importantly, many of these investments will be targeted towards low-income communities, which have long suffered from under investment and the effects of air pollution.”
Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director, Committee to Protect Health Care: “This momentous legislation is a crucial step toward reducing prescription drug and health care costs and pushing back against greedy pharmaceutical corporations. After decades of attempts to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, Democrats in Congress and President Joe Biden stood up to Big Pharma and achieved this goal, helping ensure that seniors can afford the medications they need to live. Extending ACA subsidies will help millions of Americans continue to access affordable health care. It’s a shame that Republican lawmakers refused to cap insulin costs for all Americans, but as a doctor, I’m grateful to Democrats for holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and pushing to secure a cap on costs for Medicare recipients.”
Jennie Rosenn, Founder and CEO, Dayenu: “It is fitting to vote on the Inflation Reduction Act today, Tu B’Av, the fifteenth day of the month the Jewish month of Av, known as the Jewish Day of Love. Confronting the climate crisis is an act of fierce love, for our communities and for generations to come. Just as any loving relationship requires constant tending, so too does our commitment to ending the era of fossil fuels and turning the tide of the climate crisis. Today we show some love for the accomplishments of thousands of Dayenu activists, Jewish climate leaders, partners, allies, and the broader movement led by frontline communities and young people. And in the weeks and months ahead, we will use All Our Might to end fossil fuel expansion and continue to build the just and livable future we so desperately need.”
Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund: “This moment was decades in the making, and it will reshape the decades ahead. The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives will make a big difference in people’s lives by lowering costs and creating jobs while moving us toward a clean energy future. It’s a major step in the bold action President Biden promised when he declared the climate crisis is a ‘code red.’ Over the last few years, we’ve become so accustomed to bad news that it’s almost hard to process good news. Well, this is great news. It’s the biggest thing ever for modernizing our economy, breaking our dependence on world oil markets, and getting back to a stable climate. It will significantly lower energy costs for the American people, making it cheaper and easier to power homes and offices with clean energy. It will stop billions of tons of climate pollution. I believe it will begin a virtuous cycle of greater ambition around the world.
Jamal Raad, Executive Director, Evergreen Action: “With today’s House vote to pass the IRA, America can finally turn the page to a new era for climate action. This bill represents the most significant investment in climate and clean energy in our nation’s history. The IRA will provide billions of dollars for clean energy and good-paying jobs. These investments will put us within striking distance of meeting President Biden’s climate goals and will save countless lives. Today marks the end of decades of congressional inaction, and the beginning of a new day that will require ongoing aggressive climate leadership on the federal, state, and local levels. The climate investments in this bill, totaling nearly $370 billion, are the result of years of organizing, advocacy, and policy progress by youth activists, environmental justice advocates, state, local and tribal leaders, frontline fighters, unions, businesses, and other organizations demanding a better world. This achievement is a testament to the power of the climate movement, and the growing demand from Americans for their elected leaders to act on climate.”
Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman, Evangelical Environmental Network: “With today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the U.S. House of Representatives, we are just one signature away from the single largest legislative investment in climate, health, and access to clean energy in American history. As evangelicals, scripture calls us to be good stewards of all God’s creation – this includes both the natural world as well as each other. The IRA opens up new doors and avenues for American families and businesses to do just that. Through financial rebates and tax incentives, the IRA will make it easier for lower and middle-income families to choose clean energy; save money by weatherizing their homes; upgrade to energy efficient appliances, heat pumps, and all-electric cars; and install rooftop solar.”
Josh Weierbach, Executive Director, Florida Watch: “While Democrats in Congress and Joe Biden are delivering solutions tailor-made to help Florida families, Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott once again sided with their billionaire corporate donors. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will be tremendously consequential for seniors struggling to pay for life-saving medications, millions of Floridians who rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health care coverage, and to protect our state from years of inaction by Florida Republicans to combat the climate crisis. It’s a shame Marco Rubio and Rick Scott were too spineless to vote for their constituents instead of their donors.”
Sky Gallegos, Executive Director, For Our Future: “President Biden and Democrats in Congress have delivered for the American people. The Inflation Reduction Act will combat inflation, lower the cost of prescription drugs and health care, and boost our clean energy economy while addressing the climate crisis – all paid for by making big corporations pay their fair share. It is a monumental achievement and step forward for working people and the future of our country.“While Republicans in Congress stand in the way of progress and refuse to address rising costs, President Biden is fulfilling his commitment to make government work for working people.”
Arcady Sosinov, Founder and CEO, FreeWire: “The clean energy provisions in this legislation represent momentous action towards cutting carbon emissions and bolstering the ascendant electric vehicle (EV) industry here in the United States. We commend Leader Schumer, Senator Manchin, and their House colleagues for their persistence in reaching this agreement and applaud members of Congress for ensuring the United States keeps pace in the global transition to electric vehicles.”
Rolf Nordstrom, President and CEO, Great Plains Institute: “GPI applauds the historic passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, reasserting American leadership on the technologies that will shape this century and adding crucial speed and scale to the market momentum we already see toward US and global decarbonization. This includes tax incentives and other provisions accelerating clean energy component and electric heat pump manufacturing, electric adoption and charging station deployment, consumer energy efficiency, and power and industrial sector emission reductions. It also makes a substantial investment in environmental justice and equity, including clean energy expansion in disadvantaged communities. We look forward to getting to work right away with our stakeholder, tribal nation, state, and community partners and leaders on thoughtful implementation.”
Dr. Aaron Bernstein, Head of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Today, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which makes an unprecedented investment in climate action. This bill will jumpstart a clean energy economy and make us, and especially our children, healthier. In the race to combat the climate crisis, we should celebrate this historic moment and also know that the race is far from over. We must invest wisely. That starts with prioritizing frontline communities so that we can undo environmental injustice and build resilient, more equitable communities.”
Margarida Jorge, Executive Director, Health Care for America Now: “Today’s vote in the House of Representatives brings the country another step closer to achieving affordable health care for everyone by making long-overdue improvements in Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Medicare negotiations, a centerpiece of the bill, will finally lower the price of some of the most expensive drugs for seniors, create the first-ever out-of-pocket cost cap for people in Part D, stop pharmaceutical corporations from raising the prices of drugs faster than inflation and ensure that coverage for millions of people who get ACA insurance will be affordable over the coming years. The bill will save providers and taxpayers $288 billion over the next 10 years without raising taxes on anyone who makes less than $400,000 per year.”
Leah Greenberg, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Indivisible: “Lower energy bills. Lower prescription drug costs. Lower healthcare premiums. Lower carbon emissions. That’s what this bill is about, and that’s why it’s critical that Democrats finally came together to pass this historic legislation. Democrats are making necessities more affordable, passing the largest climate bill in history, and taking steps to make the ultra wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share in taxes. Elections have consequences, and so does activism. Make no mistake, without a Democratic trifecta, none of these vital provisions would even be on the table. But without decades of activism leading up to this moment, and sustained grassroots pressure, the President’s initial proposal would not have been as bold, and one of the many deaths this bill died would have been final. Of course there’s more work to be done, but President Biden, Leader Schumer, and progressive champions in Congress deserve enormous credit for keeping hope alive and landing this deal. In the face of rising right-wing authoritarianism, including GOP efforts to roll back our basic rights, the significance of Democrats enacting bold legislation extends beyond the necessary provisions of the bill. When President Biden signs this bill, it will be a reminder that our democracy can provide meaningful benefits to our families and communities, and that’s worth fighting for.”
Amy Hanauer, Executive Director, Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy: “Today Congress signed off on the biggest corporate tax reform in decades as part of a bill that will provide a more equitable country and more sustainable planet to future generations. The IRA reduces corporate loopholes, cracks down on tax evasion by the wealthy and devotes much of the resulting revenue to greening our economy. Our nation will use the hundreds of billions of dollars this bill will raise over the next decade to tackle climate change, speed up clean energy initiatives, boost green jobs, fund health care and reduce the deficit. Everyone in this country should be proud of this enormous policy accomplishment. Ensuring the biggest corporations in this nation pay a minimum amount of tax is a no-brainer. There is absolutely no reason that some companies should be able to game the system while others are paying their fair share. The IRA will help get us to a more level playing field.”
InterAction: “This week, the Senate and House approved the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—one of the most significant pieces of climate legislation enacted in the history of the United States. The IRA includes major energy, climate, and justice investments to tackle domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These investments will allow the United States to reduce its emissions by 40% by 2030, putting America in arm’s reach of meeting President Biden’s pledge to cut U.S. emissions in half by the end of this decade.”
Lonnie Stephenson, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): “Today, we celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act by the House of Representatives. It is an all-around victory — for the climate, the economy and good American union jobs. Paired with the CHIPs Act signed days ago and 2021’s massive infrastructure bill, IBEW members and working families will be reaping the rewards for many years to come. The legislation includes strong labor protections as part of more than $300 billion in federal tax credits for clean energy infrastructure projects, guaranteeing these carbon-cutting renewable energy developments will create middle-class, family-sustaining career opportunities in every community in the United States. It makes historic investments in domestic energy production to fight climate change while bolstering domestic manufacturing and energy independence by weaning the United States from critical imported components. Frontline and historically underrepresented communities will not be left behind as the Inflation Reduction Act targets new and expanding opportunities in previously overlooked corners of the country. Such projects include nuclear, wind, solar, EV charging stations, hydrogen, carbon capture, battery storage and installing energy-efficient technology in commercial buildings.”
Zac Petkanas, Senior Advisor, Invest in America: “After more than a year of negotiations, Congress has delivered a historic win for middle class families which will lower the costs of healthcare, energy, prescription drugs, and more. The bill is a massive investment in America’s economic future. We must also acknowledge the tireless leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Senate Leader Schumer in delivering this bill. At many points, the pundits and prognosticators said the bill was dead. Not so. The Inflation Reduction Act will become law, lower costs for millions of Americans, and make the single largest investment in tackling the climate crisis in history. They did it!”
Tiernan Sittenfeld, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, League of Conservation Voters (LCV): “It happened! Congress just passed the strongest climate legislation in our history. The significance of this monumental step toward reducing our climate pollution and building a more just and thriving clean energy future cannot be overstated. Getting here is a testament to the persistence of a massive, diverse climate coalition, including labor, environmental justice advocates, young people, and climate champions on Capitol Hill and in the administration. We commend the Biden-Harris administration for their climate leadership and cannot wait for the President to sign this bill into law.”
Margarida Jorge, Campaign Director, Lower Drug Prices Now: “Today is a huge defeat for Big Pharma and a huge victory for patients who have long endured the drug corporations’ relentless price-gouging. Pharma’s monopoly power to set and raise prices as high as they want has put affordable medicine out of the reach of millions of people for years and caused untold harm. For generations politicians from both parties have been promising reform. But, today, Congressional Democrats and President Biden have delivered on those promises by passing historic reforms that will enable Medicare to negotiate for prices, that will create the first-ever cost caps for out-of-pocket costs and that will actually hold drug corporations accountable for raising their prices in Medicare faster than inflation. Ending Big Pharma’s monopoly control over prescription drug prices is in the famous words of the now-President a BFD. It will improve lives for millions of seniors and set the stage for further improvements for patients of all ages. We applaud House Democrats for standing up to Big Pharma in order to make life better for their constituents and look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law.”
Maryland Climate Action: “Today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act represents a tremendous and historic moment for our country. It is the single biggest investment in climate, justice, clean energy, and jobs ever, and we applaud President Biden and the members of Congress who supported it. Taken together with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, we are now on the path toward a once-in-a-generation investment for tackling the climate crisis, supporting American families, and building America’s clean energy economy. The IRA will fight inflation by driving down consumer energy costs, increase American energy security, and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also accelerating our move to a clean energy economy that will provide millions more well-paid, green jobs.”
Ramon Palencia-Calvo, Deputy Executive Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters: “Passing the Inflation Reduction Act is a monumental step to put the U.S. on track towards addressing the climate crisis. For Marylanders, the passage of this bill is particularly important because the Inflation Reduction Act will provide a much-needed boost to our efforts to implement our landmark statewide climate legislation, the Climate Solutions Now Act, that was passed in our recent legislative session. The Inflation Reduction Act will give us a substantial jumpstart towards our emissions reduction goals, making it realistically possible for executive, state, and local actions in Maryland to bridge the remainder.”
Dominique Browning, Director and Co-Founder, Moms Clean Air Force: “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a stunning achievement. It contains a historic level of investment in cutting climate pollution. Together with the infrastructure bill that members of Moms Clean Air Force worked to pass months ago, along with other investments in clean energy innovation, the Biden Administration has committed nearly half a trillion dollars to stopping climate pollution. This is a smart and necessary investment in our future. The bill also significantly reinforces the Clean Air Act, embedding the authority to regulate climate pollution into its very fabric. We thank President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and all the Democrats who voted for this bill.”
Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association: “No matter our race or place, everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare, clean air and water, and fairer taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act will make a difference in people’s lives by helping them reduce prescription drug prices, capping the cost of insulin, and lowering healthcare premiums because no one should have to choose between getting their pills or paying their bills. Today’s victory for America’s working families was made possible because we came together in record numbers at the ballot box to speak up for our values and our future. Educators applaud President Biden, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and every member of Congress who helped to pass this historic legislation.”
David Long, Chief Executive Officer, National Electric Contractors Association: “NECA contractors are ready to go to work with their partners to build America’s new clean energy sector. “I would like to commend Senator Manchin, Senator Sinema, and members of Congress for their due diligence in negotiating a bill to make significant investments in America’s domestic energy while not increasing taxes on our contractors.”
Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union (NFU): “The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is cause for optimism for farmers and ranchers across the country, with historic investments in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs that are critically underfunded. NFU is proud to see investment in biofuels infrastructure that will help farmers’ bottom line and help consumers save at the pump. The inclusion of financial support for economically distressed farmers and ranchers is also a welcome addition that will help keep farmers on their land for years to come.”
National League for Nursing (NLN): “The National League for Nursing applauds today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376) by the U.S. House of Representatives, sending the landmark legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature. This legislation makes historic investments in health care and climate change policies that the League has urged Congress to act on for nearly two years. Nurses are particularly pleased to see the extension of enhanced subsidies to help consumers purchase health coverage. These provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act helped millions of individuals and families enroll in marketplace health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, reaching an all-time high of 13.6 million and reducing the country’s uninsured rate to a historic low of 8 percent. The Inflation Reduction Act will further reduce the cost of health care for consumers by authorizing Medicare to directly negotiate with drug companies to lower the price of prescription drugs.”
Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO, National Organization for Rare Disorders: “The Inflation Reduction Act is a significant step forward in helping ensure that individuals and families with rare diseases have access to the comprehensive health care they need to survive and thrive. The extension of enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits for three years will keep quality health insurance accessible to millions of Americans, and the creation of an annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries will provide a vital protection to patients who struggle to afford their medications.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “For years, the National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Navigation Center has fielded calls and emails from individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who are unable to afford their medications under their Medicare Part D plan. “While broad and complex, today’s House passage of the Inflation Reduction Act enacts crucial patient protections for those covered by Medicare. These protections will go a long way toward ensuring seniors with chronic diseases can afford the care they need.”
Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters: “The Inflation Reduction Act is a crucial piece of legislation that puts us on a path to meeting our country’s and New York’s key climate goals through investments in climate, clean energy, and environmental justice while cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and supporting good, union green jobs. We applaud Senator Schumer for his leadership on climate and so many in New York for getting this once-in-a-generation legislation across the finish line.”
Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO, NewDEAL: “For years, state and local leaders have implemented climate solutions by setting clean electricity standards, investing in emission-free transportation, and making buildings more efficient, while advocating relentlessly for the federal government to do its part to make possible the dramatic national emissions reductions that this crisis requires. The Biden Administration and this Congress have finally broken through the gridlock to address the dangerous consequences of global warming, and they have sent a message to the world that the United States can deliver on combating climate change. Tax credits for clean energy, energy efficiency, and more will supercharge state and local leaders’ ongoing efforts, and will result in lower energy costs for their constituents. Importantly, the legislation also addresses the high cost of health care, which is a challenge for working families across the country, by extending health insurance subsidies for middle and low-income Americans and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.”
Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, President, NextGen America: “Let’s be clear, today’s historic move to combat climate change would not have been possible without the organizing power of young people who have turned out and voted in record numbers to advance bold climate legislation. For a decade, NextGen America has built an army of millions of young voters dedicated to electing leaders committed to delivering the policy agenda we need – and we’re finally seeing a hard fought victory on the most important issue of our generation. The Inflation Reduction Act invests in our planet and our future, and without the diligent work of protesters, organizers, and activists who turned out in record numbers last cycle and built the 50-50 Senate, this historic bill would never have become a reality.”
Sean Garvey, President, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU): “We applaud Congress for voting to uplift the middle class and America’s economy by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. By taking strong action to lower the federal deficit, fight inflation, and provide historic labor protections in the largest investment to fight climate change and accelerate domestic energy production in our nation’s history, this bill gives relief to all Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act places our country on a more secure and sustainable path, and opens more family-sustaining, middle-class career opportunities for millions of union and nonunion construction workers across the country.”
Maria Korsnick, President and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute: “Today’s House vote is a momentous milestone for clean energy legislation here in the U.S. The energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act send a clear signal that nuclear is essential to the transition toward a carbon-free economy that also provides long-term, quality clean energy jobs. The investment and tax incentives for both large, existing nuclear plants and newer, advanced reactors, as well as HALEU and hydrogen production, set nuclear energy on a level playing field, ensuring that nuclear can form the backbone of a stable electric grid that also includes large shares of wind and solar.”
Trish Demeter, Interim President, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund: “Today is a historic day in the fight against the climate crisis. We applaud the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S. House of Representatives following passage in the U.S. Senate earlier this week. We thank Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH 9), Shontel Brown (D-OH 11), Tim Ryan (D-OH 13) for supporting this landmark legislation that will speed up our transition to a healthier, more equitable, clean energy future as soon as possible. The Inflation Reduction Act will directly benefit Ohioans. The bill will lower consumer energy costs while making historic investments in energy reliability and cleaner energy production — especially Ohio’s growing renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors. It will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, including potent methane emissions that exacerbate climate change and severe health impacts on our communities. And importantly, the bill will support critical environmental justice and climate resiliency investments in Black and brown communities as well as rural communities which have been disinvested in time after time.”
Heidi Heitkamp, Founder, One Country Project: “The Inflation Reduction Act is a win for rural communities. The bill will help to tackle inflation, reduce costs, create jobs, and deliver tax equity for rural Americans. The nearly $40 billion investment the bill makes in agriculture, forestry, and energy provisions will help rural communities tackle the climate crisis, lower energy costs, and create clean energy jobs across Rural America. Investing in Rural America will strengthen the entire economy and will help ensure that historically underserved parts of America receive the funds necessary to combat the economic, environmental, and health challenges it faces. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted rural healthcare challenges and this bill will help to reduce healthcare costs for seniors and American families in rural communities. The Inflation Reduction Act caps seniors’ out of pocket spending for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year and will help American covered under the Affordable Care Act save on their health insurance premiums. This is essential when rural Americans are feeling the pinch of inflation in their daily lives.”
Meghan Roh, Program Director, Opportunity Wisconsin: “It’s hard to overstate just how much the Inflation Reduction Act will do to bring down costs for Badger State residents. Whether it’s lowering health care and energy costs, while also lowering the deficit, or making corporations pay their fair share in taxes–this historic bill will go a long way to give Wisconsin workers and families the relief they need. We’re incredibly grateful to our elected leaders like Senator Baldwin and Representatives Kind, Moore, and Pocan who have heard our voices and supported the Inflation Reduction Act. Unfortunately, the only voices Wisconsin Republicans seem to listen to are those of the wealthy and well-connected. Wisconsinites are struggling to make ends meet and instead of voting for a bill to bring down costs, Senator Johnson continues to prioritize himself and those like him. As someone who loves to talk about rising costs and inflation, Senator Johnson’s ‘no’ vote on the Inflation Reduction Act shows us that his words are nothing but empty rhetoric. It’s time for Senator Johnson to stop putting politics over the people of Wisconsin.”
Oregon Public Interest Research Group: “Medicare is the single largest purchaser of prescription drugs in the U.S., and allowing that program to negotiate prices is key to lowering health care costs. Federal action puts Oregon in a better position to adhere to policies like its cost growth target benchmark. It also provides firmer context that states like Oregon need to pursue more localized health care policies like state public options or redetermination. We applaud Oregon’s congressional delegation, especially Senator Wyden, for fighting for this bill and its groundbreaking provisions to lower prescription drug costs.”
David Mitchell, Founder, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now: “Today marks a moment many Americans have been fighting for for decades; Congress stood up to Big Pharma and passed the historic drug price provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that will lower prescription drug prices and out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans. With this legislation, we have changed the trajectory of drug pricing policy in the United States. We have finally begun to break the power of multinational drug corporations to dictate prices of brand-name drugs to the American people. Thank you to the Democrats in Congress who have been fighting for these reforms for literally decades, and to Speaker Pelosi for her steely, determined leadership on the issue and swift passage of the legislation. For years, hundreds of thousands of patients across America have tirelessly advocated for these changes – they are the force behind these monumental reforms. There’s still more to be done to address other features of our system to ensure all Americans can afford their medications, and we will continue to push for the additional reforms needed. But for now, this legislation will rein in prices, lower out-of-pocket costs, and improve the lives of millions. We look forward to President Biden putting his signature on the Inflation Reduction Act and getting to work on implementation.”
Marc Stier, Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center and Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director, Keystone Research Center: “The U.S. House’s vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act makes historic progress on many fronts. It takes a huge step forward in addressing the threat of climate change by investing $370 billion in a series of incentives to encourage the replacement of fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy. This legislation will put the United States on a path to meeting its commitment under the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030 while creating an estimated nine million jobs over the next decade—disproportionately trades and manufacturing jobs—including hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania. It lowers drug costs for seniors, limiting Big Pharma’s monopoly power to overcharge for medicine. The legislation will enable Medicare to negotiate prices for the first time and will create the first-ever cap on out-of-pocket costs for seniors in Part D of Medicare. It will also limit the costs of insulin for diabetics on Medicare.”
Mark Ferrulo, Executive Director, Progress Florida: “The positive impact the Inflation Reduction Act will have for Florida families and on the future of our state is unprecedented. This bill was truly built for Florida as it will lower the costs of prescription drugs for our seniors, extend access to quality and affordable health care in the state that leads the nation in Affordable Care Act plan enrollments, and provide historic investments in our clean energy future in the state that is ground zero for the climate crisis. President Biden and Democrats in Congress have once again delivered for the people of our nation and of the great state of Florida.”
Matt Sinovic, Executive Director, Progress Iowa: “No matter what we look like or where we live, Iowans work hard to take care of their families. But right now, many of us are struggling to make ends meet because of corporate price gouging. Life is already expensive. Gas prices are going down but families still need support from prices that are too high. We know that the items we need most remain out of reach because Republican lawmakers have rigged the rules for greedy corporations and the ultra wealthy few so they can raise prices on the things we need to survive. Thankfully, Senate Democrats banded together to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. This historic legislation delivers on President Biden’s agenda to lower costs for working families, fight inflation, and invest in combating climate change – all without raising taxes on anyone making less than $400,000. This legislation is fully paid for by making the ultra wealthy and big businesses pay their fair share.”
Claire Guzdar, Spokesperson, ProsperUS: “After more than a year of negotiations, a fairer tax code, more affordable health care, and historic action on climate change are within our reach. The Inflation Reduction Act is important, not only because it will help people who are hurting right now, but also because these long-overdue investments put us on a path to healthier communities and a stronger economy for the long-term.Congress has done its job, and we look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law as soon as possible.”
Leslie Dach, Chair, Protect Our Care: “A long-awaited victory for all Americans, this bill represents peace of mind for the millions of people who struggle to make ends meet. Being sick can take over your life and being unable to pay for care devastates families. Too many Americans die before their time because they can’t afford health care, and the inequities are even more profound for people of color, rural residents, and people with disabilities. Now, the Inflation Reduction Act will be a game-changer for millions of people. By passing this legislation, President Biden and Democrats delivered on their promise to lower health care costs and rein in high drug prices — a stark contrast from every Republican who voted no. American families have been asking and waiting for this day, and now help is on the way.”
Gareth Joyce, CEO, Proterra: “Accelerating a clean transportation future is an obligation we have to future generations and an opportunity for America be at the forefront of the innovations that will drive the 21st century. Commercial vehicles are the workhorses of our economy, but disproportionately contribute to the pollutants in the air we breathe and that threaten the planet. By directing historic investment towards zero-emission electric commercial vehicles and advanced battery manufacturing in the US, the Inflation Reduction Act will help realize the promise of a just and sustainable future for all.”
Robert Weissman, President, PublicCitizen: “This is a very good day for America. When the Inflation Reduction Act is signed into law and implemented, it will bring important economic relief to seniors draining their bank accounts to pay for medicines or rationing their prescriptions. When the Inflation Reduction Act is signed into law and implemented, it will for the first time empower Medicare to negotiate some drug prices and counteract Big Pharma’s ability to price gouge, including for drugs that taxpayers helped develop. When the Inflation Reduction Act is signed into law and implemented, it will extend supports to help millions of Americans afford their health insurance. When the Inflation Reduction Act is signed into law and implemented, it will end the disgrace of many of the nation’s biggest and most profitable corporations paying nothing, or nearly nothing, in taxes.”
Josh Sword (West Virginia AFL-CIO) Tim Burgia (Ohio AFL-CIO) Bill Londrigan (Kentucky State AFL-CIO), and Angela Ferritto (Pennsylvania AFL- CIO), ReImagine Appalachia: “For decades, corporations and special interests have tried to divide communities and exploit our resources, attacking workers’ rights on the job and dismantling environmental protections in our communities. They’ve tried to pit us against each other with a false choice: you can have good jobs or fight climate change, but you can’t have both. But that’s never been true, and today’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is proof. Over the last year, working people and their unions, community activists, environmental and racial justice organizations have come together to reimagine an Appalachia where we create new opportunities for industry workers and build career ladders for young people from all races and backgrounds. The Inflation Reduction Act is the result of our collective voices demanding that federal climate infrastructure investments provide a fair share of economic investment for our region and while lifting up the importance of labor and community requirements. Now let’s get it to President Biden’s desk.”
Chris Gibbs, Ohio farmer and Board President, Rural Voices USA: “This bill is a long-term investment in the health and strength of rural America. It makes the biggest investment in climate-smart agriculture that farmers and ranchers have ever seen while also investing in innovative rural energy projects. Importantly, it also invests in building out biofuels infrastructure to help support farmers and bring down fuel costs. These biofuel investments will mean more ethanol pumps and reduced dependence on foreign oil. “If we are going to address the monumental climate challenges we face, rural America must be a big part of the solution. This bill is an historic step in pursuing rural climate solutions that make economic sense for rural communities.”
Barbara Humpton, CEO, Siemens: “We are encouraged to see this effort by Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration to accelerate the deployment of sustainable technologies and infrastructure. This is a decade of action requiring close collaboration across the public and private sectors. And the technology needed to achieve ambitious climate targets is here and ready to be put to use – from electric transportation to green buildings and microgrids. Scaling the deployment of sustainable technologies enables us to prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow and build 21st infrastructure. Together, we will demonstrate that investments in decarbonization not only protect our environment, but bolster productivity and generate strong business results. Our collective action will shape the next century of American leadership and growth.”
Paolo Maccario, CEO, Silbaf Solar: “Silfab Solar, North America’s leading provider of high-efficiency and durable PV solar modules, applauds the Biden administration and U.S Congress for enacting the Inflation Reduction Act, along with passage of the Solar Energy Manufacturing in America Act (SEMA). Silfab’s relentless commitment to US manufacturing and the solar industry is reflected in the continued expansion of our two (2) technologically advanced US solar manufacturing facilities. Solar represents the most effective means to achieve clean energy goals in the United States. At Silfab, we applaud the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, SEMA and the efforts by the Biden Administration to further invest in the solar industry.”
Rhett Buttle, Senior Advisor, Small Business for America’s Future: “We applaud the passage today of the historic Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which contains crucial provisions that will strengthen Main Street entrepreneurs by fighting inflation and reducing costs that have plagued their bottom lines for years. We urge President Biden to swiftly sign this into law. A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey shows that the Act is very popular with small business owners because it lowers the cost of prescription drugs, stabilizes health insurance prices, ensures large corporations pay their fair share in taxes and tackles inflation by reducing the deficit. These are all top economic concerns for small businesses.”
SMART Union: “SMART applauds the work of the United States House and Senate for pushing this vital piece of legislation across the line for working families across our country. The Inflation Reduction Act will combat rising prices, cut the cost of healthcare for working Americans and invest billions of dollars into clean energy facilities and making homes and commercial buildings energy efficient. Importantly, the strong labor standards attached to the tax credits for production, energy efficiency and investment will help create good, union jobs – and SMART members are the workers with the skills and expertise to take on those jobs, from retrofitting schools to building green energy facilities. Our members are ready to meet the demands of this bill and will play a crucial role in solving the climate crisis.”
Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association: “The most transformational clean energy package in history is now one step closer to becoming law. Today’s House passage shows that America is prepared to lead the world in the fight against climate change by investing in our communities and workers. The Inflation Reduction Act will drive historic investments in clean energy deployment and manufacturing which will help create millions of new, well-paying careers. In the face of a global energy crisis and rising inflation, the measures in this bill will strengthen America’s energy security by boosting production here at home, all while lowering prices for families through investment in historic levels of low-cost, reliable clean energy.”
Mary Powell, CEO, Sunrun: “What an historic moment for our country! Sunrun applauds everyone in Congress and the Biden Administration who helped accomplish this major step forward for humanity. The Inflation Reduction Act will combat inflation, lower energy prices and help our country meet its climate goals. It will boost U.S. manufacturing, create millions of good-paying jobs, expand access and equity for those who need it most, and improve grid stability and resilience. The need for families to take control of their energy and for broader U.S. energy independence has never been clearer. All of us at Sunrun are focused on scaling as fast as humanly possible to provide customers with a more affordable, clean and resilient way to power their homes and lives.”
Linda Moore, President and CEO, TechNet: “Today, Congress took a much-needed step toward addressing climate change, one of the most critical issues of our time. The Inflation Reduction Act provides historic investments for a cleaner, brighter, and more energy-efficient future. The technology industry is leading the fight against climate change by developing and using innovative solutions that make our planet more sustainable. The investments in this bill will drive innovation, reduce our carbon footprint, and lead to the research and development of new technologies that will make our planet cleaner for generations to come. TechNet will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to solve our climate crisis through innovative solutions that support a new climate future.”
Third Way: “The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act today delivers a powerful victory for Americans who chose competence over chaos. Democrats are moving the country forward with solutions to the problems families are grappling with: it cuts and caps health care costs, reduces the deficit, fights inflation, and makes bold investments in American innovation to address the climate crisis. Third Way celebrates House passage of this historic bill, the crown jewel in a series of legislative accomplishments delivered by President Biden, Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi. And all congressional Democrats, from every corner of the Party, deserve praise for putting aside their differences and getting this done. As the IRA heads to the President’s desk, we applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for working hand-in-hand with Democrats to fight for American families, businesses, veterans, and future generations. Democrats now have a powerful message and list of genuine accomplishments to bring home and share proudly with their constituents.”
Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director, U.S Mayors: “Mayors across the nation commend the house for approving this historic bill. With the Inflation Reduction Act, families across the country will begin to see lower energy costs and save money on their prescription drugs. This bill will help build a more equitable future for our cities and deliver on many long-held priorities of the US Conference of Mayors. The climate change solutions, in particular, represent the culmination of decades of work by mayors to protect our planet from the devastating impact of greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to President Biden signing this monumental piece of legislation into law.”
VoteVets: “The Inflation Reduction Act delivers for veterans and our families, and for American national security. For that, we have President Biden and Democrats to thank. With hundreds of thousands of veterans and our families on an Obamacare plan, extension of subsidies for many of us will literally help save our lives and the lives of our families. For those older veterans who served our nation through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and more, life-saving medication costs will be capped through their Medicare. The Pentagon has warned multiple times that the climate crisis is a ‘threat multiplier’ that exacerbates threats to U.S. security, and may cost troops’ lives. The job-creating investments in combating that crisis will make us energy independent, more secure, and will keep our military strong. This is a huge win for veterans, troops, and America. We thank President Biden and Democrats in Congress – and we won’t forget the Republicans who voted against Veterans.”
María Teresa Kumar, President and CEO, Voto Latino: “We celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, a bill that will improve healthcare and lower costs for millions of Americans. The bill includes historic climate provisions that will reduce emissions and invest in clean energy. It’s a pivotal accomplishment that will pay dividends for generations, and its provisions will be especially beneficial to marginalized communities, like people of color and poor people, who often bear the brunt of climate change and climate disasters. While the Inflation Reduction Act is an essential investment in our future, we urge Congress to continue to explore provisions that were scrapped during negotiations due to Republican opposition. Moving forward, Congress needs to find new opportunities to make meaningful progress on the issues that were excluded from these bills. We must not undervalue the transformational nature of this bill, but there’s more we can do to maintain progress and provide much needed support to vulnerable communities.”
Patrick Halley, President and CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association: “WIA applauds Congress for prioritizing America’s 5G leadership in the Inflation Reduction Act by continuing tax policies that have stimulated billions of dollars of investment in America’s wireless networks. Companies that acquire spectrum licenses do so at a high cost. By avoiding what would have amounted to a 15% tax on wireless broadband deployment, Congress is ensuring that more capital will remain available for investment in next generation wireless infrastructure.”
Dan Lashof, Director, World Resources Institute: “Today the House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the most transformative piece of climate legislation in United States history. The legislation’s historic climate and clean energy investments will reduce emissions by one billion tons and deliver a plethora of benefits for all Americans, including millions of good-paying jobs and substantial cost-savings. The legislation’s climate measures put the United States within reach of achieving its 2030 emissions reduction target. Paired with additional actions by the federal government, states, cities and the private sector, the U.S. can fully meet its climate goal.”
Carter Roberts, President and CEO, World Wildlife Fund: “Today marks a turning point for our future. The United States has now passed historic climate and clean energy investments. That matters. It sends a signal that the United States can be trusted to deliver on long-term climate commitments, and it raises the bar for other nations to do the same. The law finalized today by Congress puts us within reach of meeting our Paris Agreement targets. It will deliver a future of cleaner electricity generation, cleaner homes, and cleaner cars. It embraces the role that nature can play in limiting emissions and securing healthier communities. And it commits significant new support to help deliver environmental justice to frontline communities.”
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