THE DEMOCRATS’ INFLATION REDUCTION ACT IS FIGHTING FOR OUR CLIMATE FUTURE
QUICK READ: Record heat waves in the South and Midwest? Deadly wildfires Maui and Canada? Catastrophic storms in Texas and California? Smog-covered cities all over? The Inflation Reduction Act, passed with only Democratic votes, is incentivizing green-energy projects that will rein in greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
103.7 million Americans presently live under extreme weather alerts, causing most Americans to fear for the well-being of future generations.
All is not lost, however, because last year Democrats pushed through Congress the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most extensive plan ever to rein in greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. While containing some health care and tax provisions, it’s really a climate bill, offering $369 billion in tax credits and spending to incentivize green-energy projects and create well-paying union jobs.
By contrast, no GOP candidate at last week’s debate would admit humans cause climate change, and MAGA House Republicans are intent on defunding it.
IRA money is already quietly stimulating the economy, making solar and wind energy much cheaper, allowing electric vehicles to replace gas-powered ones more rapidly, and encouraging us, with subsidies, to improve our homes’ and vehicles’ energy efficiency—which will help slash emissions by 40+% by 2035—although 70%are unaware of these investments.
To raise public awareness about the IRA’s effectiveness, our MoCs must join the conversation. Between now and the 2024 election is imperative for them to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between them and MAGA Republicans.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
*SEN. WYDEN:* Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Given this summer’s record heatwaves, deadly wildfires, catastrophic storms, and smog-covered cities, climate denialism cannot be justified. Neither can your party’s lies about supporting the Inflation Reduction Act when it got no GOP votes in Congress. Touting an IRA project is commendable, but you must admit that the law funding it was passed despite your opposition.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Given this summer’s record heatwaves, deadly wildfires, catastrophic storms, and smog-covered cities, climate denialism cannot be justified. Neither can your party’s lies about supporting the Inflation Reduction Act when it got no GOP votes in Congress. Touting an IRA project is commendable, but you must admit that the law funding it was passed despite your opposition.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
Script for Val Hoyle (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
Script for Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Given this summer’s record heatwaves, deadly wildfires, catastrophic storms, and smog-covered cities, climate denialism cannot be justified. Neither can your party’s lies about supporting the Inflation Reduction Act when it got no GOP votes in Congress. Touting an IRA project is commendable, but you must admit that the law funding it was passed despite your opposition.
Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Inflation Reduction Act remains largely unknown to American citizens. While President Biden is beginning to publicly discuss it, much more is needed, given the IRA’s length and breadth. Between now and the 2024 election, I am asking you to tout not only the IRA’s successes but also the sharp differences between the Democratic Party, which is trying to protect us and our planet, and MAGA Republicans, who pretend the climate crisis is a hoax and want to defund the IRA.
FURTHER READING
Extreme August Arrives With a Warning: Expect More
It Is No Longer Possible to Escape What We Have Done to Ourselves
What’s in the Inflation Reduction Act? Everything to know about one of Biden’s big laws
Biden’s landmark climate law just turned 1. Here’s what you missed
What the Inflation Reduction Act has achieved in its first year
One year in, the Inflation Reduction Act is working—kind of
Republican hopefuls shrug when asked about climate crisis during debate
Republican Debate Shows Candidates Stuck in Denial on Climate Emergency
Voters Broadly Reject Key Climate Components of the Conservative ‘Project 2025’
