Once-in-a-Generation Financial Investment in Climate Solutions Propel CEC's work.
We are in an incredible moment of time, with opportunities emerging for climate action that I didn't think were possible just two months ago. In very short order this summer, we've seen once-in-a-generation financial investment in climate solutions at the federal level through the Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with last month's sudden movement in the California legislature on climate legislation, as well as steps being taken in the private sector to put the climate at the forefront.
The investments outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act represent a long overdue economic shift away from fossil fuels, at long last mirroring what we at the Community Environmental Council (CEC) have fought for regionally: giving clean energy a competitive edge. Bringing down the costs of electric vehicles and renewable energy is essential to solving the climate crisis in our state. This historic law inspires us to work even harder to advance a rapid, equitable transition to a sustainable future on the California Central Coast. Similarly, the range of impressive climate bills passed by the California Legislature boosts efforts towards carbon neutrality by 2045 by accelerating the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and toward 100-percent renewable energy production, supporting nature-based carbon sequestration, reducing oil and gas production, and increasing access to green technology.
Where California innovates, other states and nations follow, and 2022 is rapidly becoming the most momentous year for progress toward solving the climate crisis. We must ensure that this moment isn't squandered—closely tracking to make certain that financial investments are deployed well, environmental justice is embedded in every step, and that the narrative is changed. CEC is at the forefront of these efforts along the Central Coast, boosted by the tremendous support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners.
One of our longtime supporters, John Steed, is our featured Legacy Donor in this month's newsletter. John is a strong advocate for environmental policy and climate action, serving in leadership positions for non-governmental organizations and facilitating opportunities for collaboration between U.S. and Japanese companies in the fields of renewable energy generation and power storage. He served on our Board of Directors for seven years, including four as Board President, and continues his participation as a current member of CEC's President's Council. We are thankful for his dedicated leadership, as well as his generosity as a member of our Livable World Legacy Society.
I'm honored to be doing purposeful and incredibly important work with you all. I know that the urgency of the times we live in—and the necessity of leaning in and doubling down—can be daunting. I hope this message helps keep your inner flame lit.
Gratefully,
Sigrid Wright