Inflation Reduction Act a ‘Historic’ Win for Climate, Wildlife

WASHINGTON — The Inflation Reduction Act will reduce emissions, protect wildlife, and reduce harmful pollutants in the most significant ever legislation to combat the climate crisis. The National Wildlife Federation heralded the Senate’s passage of the legislation and urged the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly follow suit.

“Every zip code across America will benefit from the good jobs, lower costs, and reduced pollution from the historic Inflation Reduction Act. This bill demonstrates how taking bold action on climate and building a cleaner economy will address the root causes of inflation and revitalize frontline and legacy energy communities alike,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Thank you to Senators Schumer, Senator Manchin, the entire Democratic caucus, and the millions of grassroots activists who have made this historic agreement possible. We look forward to working with the House, the Biden Administration, and climate activists across America to build upon this incredible achievement, because the climate, wildlife, and communities cannot wait.”

The Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions to take immediate action on the climate crisis, including:

  • Over $20 billion for climate-smart agriculture and conservation, providing funding for farmers and ranchers to put towards proven practices that reduce emissions, greenhouse gasses, and improve soil carbon management. 
  • $2.6 billion for the conservation, restoration, and protection of coastal and marine habitats that would create jobs and better help coastal communities become more resilient to worsening storms.
  • $3 billion in funding to address harmful pollution and emissions and improve air quality, particularly in disproportionately impacted Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color
  • Investments to lower costs for families including tax credits towards a clean energy economy. This includes tax credits for families to make electric vehicles and solar panels more affordable and accessible along with investments to shift the energy grid to more sustainable sources. 
  • Funding for managing forests and reducing wildfire risk on National Forest lands and investments in private and publicly owned forests as tools to absorb carbon and help mitigate the climate crisis. 
  • Funding for wildlife recovery plans to support endangered species act recovery plans along with investments in projects that support habitat and infrastructure in the National Wildlife Refuge System and State Wildlife Management Areas.
  • Common sense oil and gas leasing reforms that will reduce reckless speculation on lands with little potential for production, including charging fair rates for leasing on public lands.

 

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