On August 16th, 2022, President Biden signed into law a landmark tax, health and energy bill that moves the U.S. significantly toward his goal of modernizing the American economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

This legislation is historical for everyone with a vested interest in the environment (and a planet on fire), but also takes huge steps in lowering the cost of prescription drugs for seniors on Medicare, extending federal subsidies for health insurance, and reducing the federal deficit. It will aid in switching electric utilities to sources of energy that produce lower emissions, and encourage Americans to purchase electric vehicles by providing tax credit incentives. 

“On a planet that’s getting increasingly warmer, this legislation is a BFD (Big F*ck*ing Deal).”

On a planet that’s getting increasingly warmer, this legislation is a BFD (Big F*ck*ing Deal). It’s been labeled the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history – and rightfully so. From the outside, it seems this is the first time politicians may be taking the climate crisis seriously, or perhaps they’re beginning to recognize that their voter base is increasingly aware of the climate crisis, and don’t want to live in a burning hellscape of a planet. 

Either way, I’ll take it. 

So, where do we go from here? We move forward. This bill is far from perfect. Many marginalized communities and BIPOC organizations have condemned this legislation, angry at its inadequacy. Rightfully so. This legislation is not enough. But, it is a small victory. It is something. More than nothing.

So we relish this singular victory as much as we are able, and we fight like hell for those that will be impacted disproportionately by a planet on fire.