Statement from Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute: The Open Space Institute (OSI) enthusiastically applauds final approval of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The new law represents the single largest investment in our nation’s history to battle climate change and positions the U.S. as a worldwide climate leader. With nearly $370 billion for the creation of green jobs, new clean energy policies, the inclusion of nature-based solutions to fight climate change and curb its destructive effects, and additional staff to expedite climate and conservation progress, this transformative law sets a new, healing course for our planet.
The law gives OSI and our partners new pathways to provide meaningful leadership and true progress to take on climate change. Among its provisions, the new law includes a $700 million allocation for the Forest Legacy Program, which helps preserve and protect the nation’s critically important forest land and $450 million for climate smart forestry. These expansions dovetail with OSI’s mission to address climate change through natural land-based solutions for carbon absorption and flood mitigation.
OSI thanks President Joseph Biden, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of the House and Senate for seizing the opportunity to meaningfully address climate change and giving OSI and our partners new tools for the critically important work of protecting natural resources for generations to come.