New Climate Law Funds Buoy State Lawmakers’ 2023 Priorities

State lawmakers pushing for climate action feel wind at their backs and fresh optimism from the new federal climate law as they look ahead to their legislative priorities in 2023.

The Inflation Reduction Act offers a federal shot-in-the-arm to building efficiency, emissions reduction plans, and equity efforts. The measure, signed by President Joe Biden on Aug. 16, is motivating state policymakers to consider how to seize on the once-unexpected congressional support on climate.

“For the first time in a long time, it feels like there’s a partner,” Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (D) said, adding that funds from the new law ...