Stand up for the environment: Support IRA

Posted 8/11/22

With heat waves reaching record temperatures across Northwest Philadelphia, we know that we’re out of time.

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Stand up for the environment: Support IRA

Posted

With heat waves reaching record temperatures across Northwest Philadelphia, we know that we’re out of time. Good thing senators in D.C. agreed and voted on Sunday for an unprecedented $370 billion investment in climate spending. 

With this renewed underwriting of the American dream, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is without a doubt the game changer that my generation has been waiting for. With crucial investments in solar panels, carbon capture technology, and – most importantly for many Philadelphians – cheaper electric vehicles (EVs), this could change lives throughout the city. With tax incentives lowering the cost of EVs to just $4,000 for used vehicles and $7,500 for new ones, the bar to paying nothing at the pump just went down.

Young environmentalists love Congressman Dwight Evans and his increasingly strong record on climate justice and resilience throughout the City of Brotherly Love. But this moment (and the House vote on Friday) calls for a movement. A movement which Evans’ constituents desire, no demand, he should help lead. 

So, my generation calls on Congressman Evans to stand up for the environment, upon which all else we value stands, and urge those across the aisle and across our commonwealth to support the IRA. Time’s up. 

Jake Schwartz

West Mt. Airy