Reflecting on the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, and calling for a more just climate future

Reflecting on the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act, and calling for a more just climate future

OAKLAND, CA; August 16, 2022 – For those pushing for federal climate action, the last several decades have felt like pushing a rock uphill. This is because systemic barriers and biases in our government and advocacy systems have privileged the polluting status quo. With President Biden’s signature on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we’ve finally made federal progress in the effort to create a better, healthier future for people and the planet. The IRA is poised to supercharge the transition to clean energy, unleashing billions of dollars in funding for environmental justice communities, and putting America’s climate goals within reach. The long overdue accomplishment of federal climate legislation gives the climate justice movement, as well as the clean energy sector, much-needed momentum and resources. However, the IRA is not enough to solve our climate or societal crises on its own and indeed raises a new set of challenges for climate advocates. At GRID Alternatives, we know the work is really just beginning.

“This bill would not have crossed the finish line without the leadership and persistence of the environmental justice communities, including those who continue to bear the brunt of fossil fuel pollution every day,” says Erica Mackie, GRID Co-Founder and CEO. “It’s now time for the clean energy industry to step up and ensure the IRA yields the best outcomes for environmental justice communities, including through solidarity in the efforts to ensure fossil fuel infrastructure becomes a part of the American past, and good paying, safe, and inclusive jobs in renewable energy are part of the American future.”

GRID is committed to doing our part in advocating for better outcomes and implementing these programs in state and local governments and with Tribal Nations. This is where we’ve excelled for the last 20 years, as the nation’s largest nonprofit installer of clean energy in environmental justice communities. Our priorities include continuing to call for bigger, more diverse tables in decision-making processes and for accountability from our industry partners not to sit idly by, especially as any “side deal” on permitting is negotiated in Congress. We know we have an important role to play as the builders, the trainers, the advocates, and as the communities that stand to benefit from a just climate future.

“With the implementation of the IRA, it’s critical that environmental justice communities get more access to clean energy and storage, as well as electric transportation options. This will mean more money invested in neighborhoods and put back in the pockets of homeowners and renters. We must ensure the bill enables energy resiliency and sovereignty, and that we build a safe, inclusive and diverse clean energy workforce of the future,” Mackie says. “This is a long game for GRID; we will be in neighborhoods and the halls of Congress, continuing to help realize a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.”