Leaders | The Inflation Reduction Act

America’s climate-plus spending bill is flawed but essential

The green policies and drug reforms in the Inflation Reduction Act are big victories

United States President Joe Biden talks to members of the press as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One, on August 7, 2022 in Washington, DC. Biden is traveling to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after he tested negative from COVID 19. Credit: Oliver Contreras / Pool via CNP

Aug 8th 2022

After a long path through Congress, a giant tax-and-spend package is on the verge of being passed by Democrats. It will be America’s first significant climate law and a cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s agenda. Just weeks ago the bill seemed dead, but a backroom deal brought it back to life. It cleared the Senate along party lines by a single vote. The House looks set to approve it on August 12th, after we go to press (see United States section). As a feat of legislative legerdemain, it is impressive.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Climate policy, at last”