Meet Ira, America’s new favorite uncle
Uncle Sam walked so Uncle IRA could run. 🏃♂️
No, they’re not literally your mom’s brothers, though they do have strong opinions about economic competition with China. Climate policy nerds are touting Uncle BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), Uncle CHIP (CHIPs and Science Act), and Uncle IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) as the holy trinity of federal investment in clean energy, transportation, and manufacturing.
Despite the grim headlines we’re used to seeing in America, we’ve actually made considerable progress on the climate front, and we’re continuously seeing the benefits of laws like the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA offers the most generous climate-focused financial incentives in U.S. history, and throughout 2024 we’ve seen dozens of announcements for new clean energy construction and manufacturing. In just one year, the IRA spurred the creation of over 270,000 new jobs. If all its financial incentives are maximized and enabling infrastructure is in place (👀 that means electric transmission), the IRA could reduce U.S. emissions by 40% below baseline, putting us well on our way toward net-zero by 2050 when combined with additional actions by the government and private sector. Unlike your uncle who sits on the couch while everyone else cleans up the meal, Ira is pulling his weight!
But this rosy picture could get thorny. 🌹
Alas, there’s a rift in the family. Not every relative appreciates Uncle Ira’s abrupt rise to prominence. Some opponents have created an initiative called Project 2025, backed by a right-wing think tank, the Heritage Foundation. Project 2025 is actively encouraging repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act and other climate policies that are delivering big wins for our country, locally and nationally.
It’s alright, you’re thinking, no reasonable person could contest the obvious economic and environmental benefits of the IRA. Just read the news! But you’d be mistaken. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCC) published polling that shows most Americans (53-65%) do not know what is in the IRA, even those who self-identify as climate-concerned. And if you’re not familiar with something, why would you care enough to defend it?
As climate advocates, we want as many Americans as possible to have a favorable view of the IRA (and our other climate uncles, BIL and CHIP) so we can continue this pace of progress that is essential for the future of our planet. The number one way we can boost recognition and favorability of the IRA is by talking about it: to journalists, to the public through letters to the editor, to our friends and family, and to our social networks. According to that YPCC data, people who read just a short description of the IRA were instantly in support of it. It’s time to get the word out about the IRA and the ways it is catalyzing historic climate progress.
Your responsibility in all of this
If Americans are indifferent to the IRA because they don’t know all that it’s accomplishing, Project 2025 just might achieve its goals and undo all our climate progress. Polling shows only 32% of adults hear about global warming in the media and 64% rarely or never discuss it with their peers. Spreading the word about this historic climate progress is one of the best uses of our time right now. Right now through mid-August, that’s exactly what we’ll do: step up to take meaningful action with the free, online ‘Amplify Historic U.S. Climate Progress’ Action Plan or register now for any Hour of Action (virtual and in-person events) where you’ll have a facilitated, festive 60 minutes to quietly co-work alongside fellow changemakers, all spreading the word about Uncle IRA 📣