In a rare instance during the climate crisis, we have good environmental news! The Biden Administration released a briefing on August 17 regarding the Inflation Reduction Act and what it can do to further sustainability efforts. We’re hoping that with President Biden signing this historical Act, the country can finally make some real strides toward adapting to the climate crisis and helping underrepresented communities.
As listed in the briefing, the Inflation Reduction Act will:
Reduce Pollution
The briefing mentions that “—low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and indigenous communities are more likely to live near polluting sites and face negative health impacts from ongoing pollution and environmental hazards.” Because of this, the government will work on creating block grants to support projects in underserved communities to reduce harm due to pollution and climate change. Fenceline monitoring will be funded near facilities potentially causing pollution and monitoring and reducing pollution near public schools to protect children.
Improve Clean Transit
The Act will address diesel emissions as a part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, clean up ports, and create Grants to help with neighborhood safety and affordable transportation access.
Make Clean Energy More Affordable & Accessible
This is a pretty big one! So in order to do this, the Inflation Reduction Act will offer a 20% bonus credit for solar projects on federally subsidized affordable housing projects and a 10% bonus credit for low-income communities. They’ll work on financially supporting the distribution of zero-emission technologies, create grants that will cover the replacement of energy appliances for families, and invest in the DOE’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program.
Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change
BIPOC and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by climate disasters. To recognize this, the government will boost resilience in Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities, improve climate resilience in affordable housing, and establish community and urban forests.
As a business, we at Medcom know that it’s crucial to do our part to reduce our impact and be a part of our community of sustainable businesses. As of 2020, we are members of the North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce and try to support other companies doing their part. We’re also an Earth Charter Partner, which means we’re committed to supporting a better future for all. Earth Charter works to not only educate people worldwide on sustainability but also offers people baked-in communities of like-minded individuals ready to do the work. To learn more about Earth Charter, you can visit their website.
