Words by Smiley Team
The US made a significant step in climate action after the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. The bill allocates about $370 billion to climate change and clean-energy production while providing funding for medical needs, and pharmaceuticals, among other things.
Around the US, individual states are taking climate action in their own ways.
California
In California, legislation was introduced and passed to slowly phase out gas-powered vehicles in the most populous state in the country, coming to a head in 2035 when the purchase of new gas-powered vehicles in the state will be entirely banned.
“California now has a groundbreaking, world-leading plan to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035,” said the state's governor, Gavin Newsom. “It's ambitious, it's innovative, it's the action we must take if we're serious about leaving the planet better off for future generations.”
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The program, approved by California’s air regulators, may have a sweeping influence on auto manufacturers around the country with such a large market essentially shutting its doors to gas-powered vehicles.
Chicago
Another climate initiative in the US is in Chicago, Illinois, where city operations are slated to run on fully renewable energy as soon as 2025.
Chicago is the 3rd most populous city in the country with over 2.7 million people calling the city home, and now its airports, libraries, and water-purification plants will be powered by renewables. Through the initiative, the city is expected to lower its carbon footprint by more than 290,000 metric tons each year, equivalent to emissions associated with 62,000 passenger vehicles, the statement said.
“I am incredibly proud to advance this commitment to transitioning all city operations to 100% renewable energy by 2025,” said Chicago Mayor Lightfoot. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates that the City of Chicago is leading by example and driving high-impact climate action, building the clean energy workforce of the future and equitably distributing meaningful benefits to foster the local clean energy economy for all.”
DONATE: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council is an organization that helps support all forms of renewable energy, consider donating.
SUPPORT: Find ways to cut down on emissions or energy use on your own. Consider biking to work or using public transit, and try to find ways to lower power usage in your home.
