On July 26, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Nanette Díaz Barragán, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rep. Greg Stanton, along with Climate Power, League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Rewiring America, BlueGreen Alliance, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) about the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act in fighting the climate crisis by investing in clean energy.
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, speakers discussed how President Biden and Democrats’ clean energy plan and agenda have supercharged our clean energy economy — creating good-paying, family-sustaining jobs across the country that don’t require four-year degrees. President Biden and Democrats’ landmark clean energy plan is meeting the moment of the climate crisis by drastically reducing harmful emissions and addressing environmental injustice by investing in frontline communities.
“It’s hot out here, and I’m afraid to say it’s only going to get hotter,” said Rep. Johnson, referring to the sweltering heat that has gripped the nation. “And we know it’s due to our reliance on fossil fuels. In the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress finally responded to this crisis – by creating a new economy and a new paradigm for energy use in this country.”
The Congressman went on to highlight what the IRA means in Georgia, including $18.83 billion in investments for 22 projects that has created 16,678 new jobs in Georgia and that the law will bring about $180 million in large-scale clean power generation and storage investments to Georgia between now and 2030.
Georgia is seeing one of the largest increases in clean-energy jobs in the nation and now, Georgia, can become a national leader in clean infrastructure while employing thousands of electricians, mechanics, construction workers and technicians, all essential for our critical climate mitigation efforts.
Additionally, the IRA contains investments that could save the average household up to $1,000 on energy and gas bills each year. The IRA will make it easier to attain clean energy home improvements such as rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle tax credits and charging equipment, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation. With the tax credits and rebates within the IRA, Georgia homeowners could save an average of 15 percent annually on their utility bills.
To watch the press conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7ahNYn1aI
