To the Editors:

As we continue to learn of the profound effects of the budget reconciliation bill that Congress passed last July, such as a 315–574 million metric ton increase in greenhouse gas emissions, many members of the Oberlin community are distraught. The passage of this bill may make it seem like advocacy isn’t working. Organizations like Citizens’ Climate Lobby and the League of Conservation Voters have been fighting for months to urge Republicans to spare renewable energy tax credits in the bill, to seemingly no avail. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that of the three GOP senators who voted against the bill, two cited clean energy as a reason. To help win over Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the last Republican holdout, GOP leadership removed a solar and wind tax from the bill  and extended the phaseout timeline for renewables. If Murkowski had voted no, the bill would not have passed. In the House, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also expressed concerns with the bill’s clean energy cuts and ultimately voted against it.

It says a lot that renewables were a significant consideration for these members of Congress. Clean energy is typically a neglected issue among conservatives, and many other measures in the bill concerned Republicans. Partly due to renewable energy issues, several Republicans were willing to go against their party and risk their political future. The tireless advocacy of the climate movement has made an impact. 

If you are feeling angry or hopeless regarding this bill, it’s time to become an advocate. Join one of the many incredible organizations in this country that are bringing awareness to and lobbying policymakers about the climate. By consistently communicating with our lawmakers, we make it clear that their constituents care about climate change and want policies to address it, incentivizing them to act. As the activist Joan Baez said, “Action is the antidote to despair.”

–Holly Swiglo