National Health Leaders to Educate Members of Congress on Benefits of Climate Investments

Tomorrow, nearly 100 health professionals and public health advocates will meet in Washington, D.C. to educate members of Congress and their staff on the benefits of investments to clean up air pollution, address climate change and protect the health of families across the country.

This effort immediately follows the Our Planet, Our Health Climate Action Convention, a gathering of leaders, experts, and educators committed to driving progress toward a healthier, more sustainable and more just future. The American Lung Association, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and Physicians for Social Responsibility will host an educational advocacy day building on the convention to ask Congress to commit to protecting critical investments made in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

In 2021 and 2022, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act – together the largest investment in clean energy, clean transportation and climate change mitigation in history. From helping school districts buy electric school buses to helping people upgrade their homes with heat pumps to spurring the production and deployment of clean, renewable energy, these two landmark laws are making their mark across the country. 

“Unfortunately, we are seeing rising health impacts from catastrophic wildfires, extreme heat and air pollution. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act were passed by Congress to help change this and protect the health of families across the country,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “This is why we are joining health professionals across the country to meet with members of Congress to share why these investments are needed now more than ever.”

"Every day, doctors and nurses are witnessing the devastating toll of climate change—both in our exam rooms and across our communities. From rising rates of respiratory illness due to air pollution to the life-threatening impacts of extreme weather and record-breaking heat, our patients are paying the price in terms of their health and their healthcare costs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act have been critical steps forward, reducing air and water pollution, strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure, and accelerating the shift to clean energy. These laws are not just policies—they are essential tools that help health professionals safeguard the health of the communities we serve. That’s why we’re proud to stand together today, in partnership with leading health organizations, to ensure our leaders understand the life-saving importance of these investments" said Lisa Patel, Executive Director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health.

“Physicians for Social Responsibility is honored to be a part of such an important day with nearly 100 health professionals in the halls of Congress. It’s crucial that our elected officials understand just how crucial the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are to our health. The projects funded by these bills have increased renewable energy capacity, secured more green jobs for the Just Transition, improved air quality through decarbonization efforts, invested in environmental justice communities, and have the potential to help protect ourselves and generations to come from the worst health effects of global climate change,” said Brian Campbell, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

The organizations advocating for Congress to protect this funding are also sharing a petition, which was signed by nearly 1,000 health professionals and public health advocates from across the country who support these efforts.