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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Deirdre Shelly, press@sunrisemovement.org 

Sunrise: Pass the Strongest Version of This Bill Immediately

In response to the release of text of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakash, released the following statement:

"In the face of deadly heat waves, floods, record inflation and the prospect of a Republican landslide this November, Congress must pass the strongest possible version of this bill immediately.

WASHINGTON

In response to the release of text of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakash, released the following statement:

"In the face of deadly heat waves, floods, record inflation and the prospect of a Republican landslide this November, Congress must pass the strongest possible version of this bill immediately.

"There are big climate victories in this bill: $60 billion for environmental justice programs, investments in sustainable agriculture, billions of dollars for renewables, and a purported 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. These investments are meaningful, and they wouldn't be in there without the movements led by young people, people of color, and those on the frontlines of the climate crisis who fought hard for their inclusion.

"This process has also clearly and painfully shown us just how rigged our political system is. With a Democratic trifecta, fossil fuel companies still hold the pen on writing climate policy and strike back door deals with willing politicians. These corporations and corrupt politicians dramatically watered down this legislation, removing urgently needed policies to support the care economy, immigrants, workers and more. They included fossil fuel projects that will devastate families and livelihoods. We must root out the influence of Big Oil in our democracy so that no community is sacrificed.

"But as far as we're concerned, it's not over til it's over and this package goes to Biden's desk for a signature. Congress must pass the best possible version of this bill immediately - and this must only be the beginning."

Sunrise Movement is a movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process.