“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.”
Walt Whitman
A few weeks ago I wrote a post urging you to call your Senators. The window was closing on climate change legislation. In fact, just before I published my article, it looked like it had slammed shut. But there has been a new burst of hope this week. It looks like it may happen after all.
Tipping the scale
Did the readers of this blog tip the scale? Could be. All I’m saying is the tide changed over the past few weeks, and maybe the difference was you!
Nothing is inked, and it’s not yet time for a victory lap, but climate provisions are included the Inflation Reduction Act. And it appears to have enough support to pass.
What does this mean?
This is energizing news for those of us who are concerned about climate change. It is the largest investment in renewable energy in American history. These provisions will put us on track to reduce heat-trapping emissions 40% by the year 2030.
Is it perfect? No. Do people disagree on the specifics? Of course. But it’s something. And it will definitely get the ball rolling faster toward solving climate change.
What’s included?
Here are few highlights of what the bill will do:
- Ramp up domestic manufacturing jobs
- Increase energy security
- Reduce energy costs for Americans
- Accelerate clean energy technology
- Drastically reduce methane emissions
A separate bill, which just passed, paves the way to increase American production of microchips. These chips are needed for many products, including electric vehicles. It will provide jobs and give American companies a better chance against their Chinese competitors. Another burst of hope.
Final push
There are still a few hurdles to go, so if you had intended to make calls, now is a great time. In fact, you may want to take one additional minute and also call your US Representative. If this bill passes the Senate, it still needs to make it through the House.
Your voice matters. Collectively, we can make a difference.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.