Climate watch: Passage of major climate legislation is victory for future generations

Anyone hoping to preserve a livable world for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren can celebrate the climate provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill contains a $369 billion investment in low-carbon technologies and should reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030.

The significance of this legislative victory cannot be overstated. For decades, scientists warned of the consequences for failing to bring down the heat-trapping emissions that are warming our world. Hopes that our nation would act were raised repeatedly only to be dashed for lack of political will.

Now, at last, the political will is there. Our lawmakers have finally listened and delivered. With these policies in place, the United States will embark on a transformational journey to wean ourselves off the fossil fuels driving climate change, and in the process remove air pollution that sickens millions and inflicts billions of dollars in damage to our economy.

The Inflation Reduction Act will speed this transition by providing tax credits over the next 10 years to deploy clean energy such as wind and solar. Money will be used to help households become more energy efficient and to replace gas appliances with ones powered by electricity, such as heat pumps and induction stoves. Middle- and low-income Americans will be eligible for tax credits to help them buy electric vehicles, thereby reducing carbon emissions and air pollution from gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

Another provision in the Act addresses the leakage of methane, a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide. It’s a big contributor to global warming. To reduce those emissions, this legislation imposes a fee that rises over time. The principle is simple: Discourage bad behavior by making it more expensive. Raising prices on cigarettes worked really well to diminish their use.

This legislative breakthrough was made possible by grassroots support that was lacking in previous “inside the Beltway” efforts. Over the past year, for example, Citizens’ Climate Lobby generated more than 200,000 letters and phone calls to members of Congress urging passage of a reconciliation bill that contains strong climate provisions. We’re proud to say that many members of our State College CCL Chapter were among the callers and letter writers. This victory was won by concerned citizens who made their voices heard.

Meaningful steps to fight climate change come not a moment too soon. Extreme weather-related disasters made worse by rising temperatures, like flooding this summer that killed dozens in Missouri and Kentucky, are becoming more frequent and could soon outpace our ability to adapt and recover.

Throughout the world, the U.S. has been viewed as a laggard on climate change. This legislation will help restore U.S. climate leadership. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced in every nation, and our example will motivate other nations to increase their climate ambition.

We are grateful that Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey responded to the call for climate action by voting in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act.

More is needed to meet the U.S. pledge to cut emissions in half by 2030, but for now let’s celebrate. This historic legislation brings hope that we and future generations can live in a hospitable climate. The best time to do something about climate change was 20 years ago. The next best time is now, and that’s finally happening.