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Water, forest health, energy future depend on IRA funds

Thank you, Kathy Fackler for your column, “The Inflation Reduction Act invests in energy, water, and rural America,” (Herald, Jan. 24).

After the inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pause the disbursement of funds under the IRA. Theoretically, he should not be able to stop the funding permanently without Congressional action, however the order can create confusion and bog things down in legal challenges.

Fackler points out the local benefits of the IRA including water management and conservation in the drought-stressed Colorado River Basin, and helping nonprofit electric co-ops, like LPEA, modernize their equipment, decrease pollution, increase resilience and keep rates affordable.

In this time of drought and wildfires, IRA funds are reducing wildfire risk and restoring forest health in Durango’s Florida River municipal watershed.

Fackler takes a well-reasoned approach by stating, “Americans need help adapting to a changing climate. They need help investing in energy solutions that cost a bit to install, but operate for decades without emissions or expensive fuels.”

I will take her advice and write to urge Rep. Jeff Hurd to weigh the merits of the IRA policies carefully. Our water, forest health, and energy future depend on it.

The Herald editorial board also addressed the topic in “Our view: Southwest drought projects must be funded,” (Herald, Jan. 24). Our common goal, states the Herald, is “to address the drought crisis with projects that will improve drought resilience.” The IRA will do that.

Susan Atkinson

Durango