Last week, the Senate passed the controversial Reconciliation Bill (we call it the “Big Ugly Bill”) followed by the House’s approval shortly after. In a rushed process designed to deliver the bill to President Trump’s desk by July 4th, lawmakers pushed this harmful legislation through with little public debate. This deeply disappointing bill poses serious risks to both clean energy and healthcare access, and its implications will affect millions across the country.

Clean Energy Cuts Raise Costs for Families

The bill includes provisions that severely cut clean energy tax credits. As the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) pointed out, this move eliminates incentives for renewable energy, raising electricity prices and eliminating clean energy jobs. “Instead of investing in affordable and fast-to-deploy renewable energy, this bill prioritizes polluters over families,” said LCV President Pete Maysmith. This is a clear setback for clean energy, particularly for families already struggling with rising energy costs. The bill could raise electricity bills by as much as $200 annually for North Carolina families.

Health and Environment

In addition to its environmental consequences, the bill breaks a promise made by President Trump and his allies not to cut Medicaid. The legislation slashes nearly $1 trillion from health care programs over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Medicaid is critical for millions of low-income Americans, including those in communities already disproportionately affected by climate change. The bill also adds new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and increases out-of-pocket costs, disproportionately impacting rural hospitals and low-income families. As environmental degradation accelerates, vulnerable populations face rising health issues such as respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, and other climate-induced health risks. These health problems drive up medical costs for all, making Medicaid more essential than ever.

Why This Matters for the Next Election

The passage of this bill is a setback for both healthcare and clean energy progress. It highlights the importance of our power to vote in the next Senate elections. We must elect leaders who will prioritize the well-being of families over the interests of polluters and billionaires. The implications of this bill will affect our environment, our healthcare, and our future.