Two Years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

by Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week.

In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation, and support for disadvantaged communities. The law marks the largest clean energy investment in U.S. history, with more than $369 billion dedicated to fighting climate change and creating jobs.

Fred Quinn III, a borough council member in Swissvale, just east of Pittsburgh, said the legislation will generate more than 243,000 new jobs across Pennsylvania by 2030. He added the measure offers financial relief for households as well.

“The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant rebates for clean energy technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient appliances,” Quinn outlined. “For families in my community, this means substantial savings on energy bills. Imagine reducing your household’s energy expenses by more than $1,800 annually.”

Swissvale recently got its first electric vehicle charging station. The Inflation Reduction Act is a wide-ranging 10-year plan to encourage the adoption of more renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. From its inception, it has received criticism from the fossil-fuel industry and from those who say more accountability is needed to make sure the money is spent wisely.

Heidi Roddenberry, chair of the Roddenberry Foundation, which honors the legacy of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, said philanthropy can support innovative technologies to help achieve energy independence and infrastructure to get the state closer to its climate future.

“At the Roddenberry Foundation, we are about big, bold ideas, catalytic change, and that we can do more together,” Roddenberry asserted. “Helping us get to that optimistic future that Star Trek offered us, and having an infrastructure supporting an energy independence gets us closer to that goal.”

Backers of the Inflation Reduction Act say it could yield more than $5 trillion in global economic benefits from reduced greenhouse gas pollution by 2050.

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Source: bctv