Implementing the $369bn Inflation Reduction Act amid tight deadlines and high-stakes midterm will be a challenge
The bitter fight to deliver a climate change bill to Joe Biden’s desk this summer pitted the White House and its Democratic allies against some of America’s most powerful industry lobbies and every Republican in Congress. It may prove to have been the easy part.
At the heart of the hard-won Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a $369bn package of climate investments that Biden called the “most significant legislation in history” to tackle the climate crisis. Estimates suggest it could cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
Coordinating across dozens of different departments and agencies.
Minimizing waste and fraud.
Investing in risky and uncertain technologies.
Smoothing diplomatic wrinkles with international allies who object to the law’s manufacturing and sourcing requirements.
Meeting the expectations of climate organizations and advocacy groups whose support for the IRA was contingent on promoting environmental justice and protecting workers.
Seeking to head off the inevitable attacks and investigations of congressional Republicans.