Weekly Briefing: After inauguration, IRA attacks begin

Jan. 22, 2025

After President Trump’s inauguration on Monday, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to ​“immediately pause the disbursement of funds” under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Canary Media reported the order as one that “will throw tens of billions of dollars of lawfully designated federal funding into limbo.”

It’s tough to say exactly what the executive order means at this point. Many of the IRA’s climate-related grants and loans are “obligated funding” — essentially, those dollars are already headed out the door, and they should be safe. Ben Pendergrass, CCL’s VP of Government Affairs, explains, “It was always presumed that President Trump would pause any money that wasn’t already obligated.”

But Ben adds a key point: “Theoretically, he shouldn’t be able to stop it permanently without congressional action.” Don’t forget — we’ve been talking to Congress about the economic and climate benefits of the IRA since last year, so we’ve laid a strong foundation to defend this legislation.

Still, the order “creates confusion and could slow things down and probably lead to legal challenges, which take a long time to process,” says CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli.

The best thing you can do right now — whether individually, with your chapter, or your Action Team — is to read or watch Dana’s “Data to Defend the IRA” training from last week. This training covers the information you need to know and be ready to share with your members of Congress to illustrate the IRA’s benefits and repel attacks like these.

We know it can be tough to focus on just one of the many executive orders and climate comments coming out of Washington this week. But as CCL Executive Director Rachel Kerestes reminded us in January, focus and discipline are critical in a political environment like this. Focus and discipline are how we win.

So, instead of feeling paralyzed by the news or doomscrolling on social media, focus on a meaningful action you can take for the climate. Brush up on the data you need to know to defend the IRA, and let’s get ready for this fight.

Data to Defend the IRA

In other news this week

Restructuring CCL’s programs: CCL is in the process of restructuring our program department, which unfortunately involves eliminating our Regional Director positions at the end of this month. Some program staff will fill new roles to support volunteers, but some will no longer be on staff. Please show our departing staffers your appreciation and gratitude for their incredible work over their years by writing on their Kudoboards, all linked on CCL Community here.

Take action this week

If you have a little time: Write to Congress about the wildfires. As the wildfires continue to rage in L.A., early attribution studies are clear: Climate change is making these fires worse. “Climate whiplash” conditions — too much rain, then too little, plus chart-topping heat — mean wildfires are more intense and destructive than in the past. We’ve put together a simple online tool so you can tell Congress to work together to address wildfire risk. Personalize and send your messages today.

If you have more time: Plan to attend CCL’s Conservative Conference — or invite someone. CCL’s 5th annual Conservative Conference and Lobby Day is now open for registration. This year’s event, which takes place in D.C. on March 4-5, is designed specifically for right-of-center CCLers to build their climate communication skills and deepen their relationships with Republican congressional offices, moving them forward on climate issues. If you’re politically right of center, apply now and plan to join us! If you’re not, but have folks in your life who are, share this opportunity with them and encourage them to attend.

Featured: Outdoor Recreation Action Team - Read their feature here!

Upcoming trainings

1/28: CCL's Policy Agenda - This training will explore how Citizens’ Climate advocates for an array of policies (including carbon pricing) that are effective in reducing net emissions and building bridges both in Congress and in our communities. Join us!

2/4: CCL Media Basics - Learn how you can best utilize CCL's amazing suite of media resources, including customizing and submitting one of CCL’s op-ed templates, asking an editor for an editorial, writing more local letters to the editor and amplifying your media work on social media. Join us!

2/11: Lobbying Basics: Planning and Practicing Your Meeting - Practice how to meet with your member of Congress. Join CCL staff for an online training that will walk you through important considerations for preparing to meet and what an actual meeting with your member of Congress looks like. Join us!