Action: Safeguard the Inflation Reduction Act!

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law in 2022.

Since that time, the IRA has provided:

• $60 Billion in Climate Investments to address pollution and climate change in frontline communities, often facing disproportionate environmental hazards.
• Clean Energy Jobs: Billions in funding for clean energy projects create new employment opportunities in industries such as solar, wind, and electric vehicle manufacturing.
• Small Business Support: Tax incentives and funding opportunities help Black-owned businesses participate in the clean energy economy.
• Home Energy Tax Credits: Families can receive tax credits for installing solar panels, improving insulation, and making homes more energy efficient.
• Affordable Prescription Drugs: The IRA allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, lowering costs for seniors.
• Capped Insulin Costs: Medicare recipients now have insulin capped at $35 per month, a significant relief for Black communities, where diabetes prevalence is high.

As Congress prepares to cut taxes further, there are reports that they want to eliminate the IRA’s investments. For too long, our communities have dealt with higher energy costs, increased pollution exposure, and limited access to healthcare. The IRA addresses these challenges by alleviating financial burdens, creating jobs, and investing in long-term climate solutions. Urge Congress to keep the IRA for our health!

What We Are Reading & Listening to Now

(all about water this week)

• Rural Arizona’s Watershed Moment (Water Agenda)
• Groundwater bills still have not been heard (Capitol Times)
• The Water Heist in Mesa (12news)
• Chandler taking water issues to court (KJZZ)
• A day for celebration, Navajo Nation finalizes water rights deal (KSL.com)

Join Us: Webinars & Events

• February 26^th: 1:00 pm (ET) Climate Conversations: Urban Fires Register
• February 27^th: 1:00 pm (AZ) ANHE Research Forum Presents: Building Multi-level Resilience as an Extension Scientist Register
• March 1 – 4^th, 2025: Our Planet, Our Health 2025 Climate Action Convention Washington DC Register
• March 12^th: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (MST): Achieving Energy Independence in a Healthcare Setting Register
• April 9^th: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (MST): Climate Change and Farming: Worker Protections and Community Resiliency Register
• April 15^th – April 17^th, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (ET): Save the Date.The 4^th Annual National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) Meeting. Virtual sessions are free to attend.
• April 22^nd Earth Day
• May 5^th – 9^th Arizona Heat Preparedness Week
• May 21^st: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (MST): Impacts of Heat on Vulnerable Populations Register

   

  Recordings

• February 5^th: Region 9 Pacific Southwest Center for Emergency Public Health: Heat Surveillance, Preparedness Strategies and Community Response Webinar featuring LA County and Maricopa County Recording
• Recording: Webinar with author and Pediatrician Debra Hendrickson on her new book The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Front Lines of Climate Change. Recording.
• Recording from December 10^th’s webinar: Perspectives on Plastic Lifecycle Series: Plastics Use and Demand Recording.
• Recording from December 11^th’s webinar:A panel discussion on Extreme Weather in Arizona Recording.
• Recording from 3^rd Annual National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) National Meeting 2024 Here

Thank you for joining us in making a healthier planet today!