Following the passage of the $740-billion Inflation Reduction Act in the Senate, Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, praised senators “for their efforts to support the environment and lower drug prices.”

The prelate had earlier lent his support to related provisions of the legislation.

“Climate change is a global challenge that requires courageous, long-term action from Congress, and I am grateful for the many substantial climate provisions that bring the United States closer to honoring its emissions reductions goals under the Paris Agreement, which Pope Francis has strongly encouraged us to meet,” Archbishop Coakley said following the vote.