Climate Statement: Inflation Reduction Act

Trenton, NJ (August 16, 2022) – Historic climate legislation, known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R.5376) was passed in both chambers, and signed into law by President Biden.

“The impacts of climate change are already being seen and felt across the Delaware River Basin, which threaten over 13.3 million people who rely on the waters of the Basin. It is essential that we forge a path forward to reduce the impacts of climate change on our communities and limit the devastation in the future,” said Kelly Knutson, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW). “We applaud Congress in addressing the urgency of a global climate crisis and look forward to supporting the administration on implementation. The Coalition recognizes this step forward and will continue to advocate for additional policies to further protect the region’s natural resources.”

This investment will create jobs and reduce 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to prepare the watershed’s landscapes and communities alike to withstand heavier rains, hotter temperatures, and stronger storms. These changes are already having dramatic impacts on our region’s wildlife and people who call it home.

$369 billion ― set to be implemented over 10 years ― will be dedicated to strategic investments that help to confront the climate crisis. These dollars aim to strengthen the nation’s economy and provide crucial investments for frontline communities that historically have been disproportionately impacted by climate change. Additionally, the bill supports critical programs to improve our families’ health and cleans up legacy pollution.

Of these investments, here are highlights of the bill that CDRW is pleased to see incorporated:

• $250 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which includes $125 million for endangered species recovery efforts.

• $2.6 billion for coastal and marine habitats to assist communities in becoming more resilient to worsening storms.
• $3 billion to improve air quality and reduce pollution, particularly in disproportionately impacted Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color
• $20+ billion in climate-smart agriculture, including U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs and technical assistance.
• $200 million to the Park Service for deferred maintenance projects.

This long-awaited action will help address the crisis head to protect watershed communities, wildlife, and clean drinking water resources.

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About Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed:
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed protects and restores the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of 175+ member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels. Click here to learn more.