SELC statement on Senate’s historic climate legislation

WASHINGTON — Senate leaders announced a reconciliation package late last night that represents the most significant climate change legislation ever proposed in U.S. history, including over $350 billion in clean energy investments.

While final values are still being calculated, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes hundreds of billions for clean energy programs and tax credits, as well as billions for environmental justice initiatives. These investments in American innovation will lead to environmental and economic benefits.

The legislation is a welcome development after months of start and stop talks on climate legislation in Congress and following the Biden administration’s announcement last week promising imminent executive action on climate change. The resulting compromise includes some problematic provisions—including but not limited to some oil and gas leasing proposals—but overall is a promising and necessary step forward.

In response, Nat Mund, Southern Environmental Law Center’s director of federal affairs, issued the following statement:

“At a time when the South is facing crushing heat waves and we’re seeing other alarming indicators across the nation and world, we are heartened that Congress and the Biden administration are meeting the moment and responding to the climate crisis with the urgency it warrants.

“This action is a hopeful reminder that we can act now to seek solutions to avert worsening climate change impacts, helping the lives of all Southerners today and for future generations. As the most pressing environmental issue impacting communities across the South and nationwide, we now need swift and robust action from Congress to address the climate crisis and pass this legislation.”