BLOG: Legislative Wins vs. Legislative Terrorism: Another Day in Republicans’ Defunct House of Representatives
From the Ways and Means Press Shop:
As we wait for Republicans’ seventeenth Speaker vote this Congress, we wanted to give you all a reminder of what it looks like for Americans when the House actually does the work of the American people. House Republicans have overseen one of the most unproductive Congresses in recent decades, so we guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that their already once-failed nominee for Speaker hasn’t passed a single bill through Congress in the sixteen years he’s been here.
With a Democratic Majority, President Biden and House Democrats delivered an unprecedented economic recovery for workers and families, investing in America through the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Americans are feeling the impacts of our historic legislative agenda firsthand in every corner of this country.
More jobs, lower energy and health care costs, and better lives for Americans – all thanks to Democrats:
ALABAMA
Alabama Political Reporter:How Alabamians will be affected by the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program:
“According to Protect Our Care, a non-profit organization dedicated to affordable health care, approximately 166,000 Alabamians will see lower drug prices as a result of the negotiations…the negotiations will lower prices for drugs associated with treating blood clots, diabetes, cancer, Crohn’s disease, heart failure and psoriasis.” [9/8/23]
ALASKA
Anchorage Daily News:A year after passage, landmark climate law is creating a ‘different world’ for Alaska renewables:
“People working in Alaska’s clean energy industry say the law’s financial incentives have the potential to spark much more renewable development in Alaska. ‘It’s just a different world than it was a few years ago,’ said Isaac Vanderburg, president of Launch Alaska, a nonprofit focused on transitioning Alaska energy…Curtis Thayer, the executive director of the Alaska Energy Authority, agreed that the Inflation Reduction Act is generating interest in Alaska renewable investments and could make Alaska-based projects that face high construction and shipping costs more viable. ‘If there’s anything, whether it be a tax incentive or rebate to help lower that cost, it is beneficial to the state,’ he said. ‘There’s no question about that.’” [8/13/23]
ARIZONA
KJZZ:One year after passage, conservationists, builders celebrate Inflation Reduction Act:
“Yara Marin of the nonprofit Vote Solar said the act has had a positive impact on the state. ‘The Inflation Reduction Act, is a huge step forward towards helping mitigate the worst effects of climate change while also bringing significant tangible benefits to Arizona families,’ Marin said. The state has seen steady growth in solar as the technology has improved and companies have embraced clean energy.’” [8/16/23]
ARKANSAS
5 News Online:New University of Arkansas facility aims to make the state the leader in semiconductors:
“The [CHIPS And Science Act] intends to ramp up computer chip production in America by strengthening manufacturing, supply chain efficiency, and national security with investments in funding…the university began construction on the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility, or MUSiC, this August. ‘The University of Arkansas is a player in the area of semiconductors. And now we're doubling down on that by building our own FAB,’ said Alan Mantooth, an electrical engineering professor at the university. ‘It brings along opportunities for companies to relocate to Northwest Arkansas to take advantage of it, because the mission of the FAB is not just traditional research, it will do that, but it'll also fill a manufacturing gap.’” [8/17/23]
CALIFORNIA
Public News Service:CA to Get $582 Million to Make Homes More Energy Efficient:
“Starting next year, low and middle-income families in California are expected to be able to apply for up to $14,000 in grants and rebates [from the Inflation Reduction Act] to make their home more energy-efficient. Melissa Yu, senior energy campaigns representative for the Sierra Club in the San Francisco Bay Area, said families will get big discounts on electric heat pumps, water heaters, stoves, and dryers. ‘Especially for households with lower incomes, up to 100% of the appliance and the installation costs are going to be discounted at purchase,’ she explained.” [8/17/23]
COLORADO
Colorado Newsline:With federal funding, Colorado works to shore up its affordable internet program:
“Steven Panchenko is one of a growing number of Coloradans who have turned to the ACP to help pay for monthly internet service at a time when the rising cost of living is forcing many to make tough choices about their monthly expenses. ‘When your budget is so tight, $30 here and there can really make a difference,’ Panchenko said. The ACP has really made a difference to people living on fixed incomes, said Courtney Whittet, customer experience manager at Loveland Pulse, a municipal internet service provider in Loveland. ‘It really gives people an avenue to being an active participant in society that they otherwise wouldn’t have,’ Whittet said.” [9/18/23]
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Public Radio:Thousands of CT Medicare recipients are seeing lower costs for insulin:
“One year after the Inflation Reduction Act became law, nearly 11,700 Medicare beneficiaries in Connecticut save an average of $560 annually on their insulin, data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows. ‘I was paying up to $120 to $150 a bottle,” said Deborah Golas of Griswold, a Medicare beneficiary. “It is ridiculous because I need to sometimes use more than a bottle a month. That adds up. And I can't live without it.’ Golas said the insulin price cap of $35 per month under the act left enough extra cash to update her home heating system. [8/31/23]
DELAWARE
47 WMDT:“It’s a worthy investment:” USDA program helps lower energy costs for small businesses, agriculture producers:
“$1.3 million dollars will support nine projects across Delaware, aimed at lowering energy costs for small businesses. Program funding also comes from the Inflation Reduction Act...‘It helps us in our area be competitive with more urban areas, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, and reduces our energy costs,’ USDA Rural Development State Director for Delaware and Maryland David Baker said.” [9/14/23]
FLORIDA
Orlando Sentinel:$69M federal grant will start Orlando airport Terminal C improvements:
“Big projects mothballed by the pandemic at Orlando airport’s south terminal complex are getting a $69 million kickstart from federal infrastructure funding, Airport authority Kathleen Sharman said without federal help, the more than half-billion dollars in costs for the two projects would have been borrowed. Sharman said the $69 million in federal grant money will ease the airport debt burden and enable the authority to pursue other construction or renovation projects, including in the aging north terminal complex.” [03/06/23]
GEORGIA
Macon Telegraph:Federal incentives have sparked a $12 billion clean energy manufacturing boom in Georgia
“Companies have invested billions of dollars to build large-scale manufacturing plants in Georgia after Congress passed two bills designed to encourage businesses to boost U.S. production of clean energy and semiconductors. A new report by the Financial Times surveying the large-scale manufacturing projects nationwide in those sectors announced since August, when the Inflation Reduction Act (I.R.A.) and CHIPS Act were passed, found that Georgia is home to the second largest number of newly announced factories of any state.” [04/21/23]
HAWAII
The Center Square:Hawaii has received $1.2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
“Hawaii has used $1.2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on roads, providing internet service to thousands and updating the state's airports and ports, according to a report released Monday from The White House. About 44,000 Hawaii residents are benefiting from low-cost high speed internet , according to the report. The state received about $5 million of its $100 million allocation in 2022 and this year.” [05/15/23]
IDAHO
Idaho News 6:Idaho rural businesses awarded federal funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act
“The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an investment of $266 million to assist rural business owners, farmers, and ranchers as part of the Inflation Reduction Act supporting investments to combat the climate crisis. The money is to be distributed in awarding grants and loans to assist agricultural businesses in making investments in renewable energy, and energy efficiency improvements aiming to lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen overall operations.” [8/30/23]
ILLINOIS
Chicago Tribune:New health law to save Illinois residents millions
“Illinois residents will save millions of dollars in costs for medications under a new federal law, [public health officials] said during an event in Aurora Monday. Kara Murphy, president of the DuPage Health Coalition, said specifically the new federal law expands coverage for vaccinations, removing the co-pay as one of the obstacles toward getting people vaccinated. Dr. Harish Bhansolin, of the coalition, said the new lower costs for medications ‘completely changes the conversations I have with my patients. As these things go into effect, five, 10 years from now, we will see people much healthier,’ he said.” [8/28/23]
INDIANA
WLFI:New solar fields coming soon to Lafayette
“‘Climate change is a reality and cities across the country have been challenged to convert to clean energy,’ Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said, who was also present and spoke at the event…officials said the tax rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act truly helped make this possible.” [8/17/23]
IOWA
KWWL 7:Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits Eastern Iowa to tour projects, talk infrastructure
"Last spring, the airport got a $20.4 million grant from the 2022 Airport Terminal Program, which is a part of the bipartisan infrastructure law to complete terminal upgrades and expansion…Cedar Rapids leaders said the airport contributes heavily to the growth of the local economy and plays a vital role in bringing new businesses to town. ‘In a rural state like Iowa, your airports are your lifelines. Your airports are your connections to everywhere else, and everything that is coming and going from your state at some point is coming through an airport,’ State Auditor Rob Sand said. ‘When you've got just a handful of them in your state, everything that's happening and every single one of them is important to that entire state.’’ [5/25/23]
KANSAS
KMBC News 9:More people, companies in KC installing solar panels a year after Inflation Reduction Act signed
"‘I think the interest has been there,’ said Ryan Evans, principal of Kansas City-based SunSmart Technologies. ‘What is peaking their interest right now and making them go forward with these projects is the incentives and the increases in utility rates that we’re seeing across the US.’’’ [8/16/23]
KENTUCKY
The Center Square:Toyota to invest nearly $600M to build electric SUVs in Kentucky
“One of Kentucky’s largest private employers plans to invest more than a half-billion dollars in its Scott County manufacturing plant. Toyota has agreed to build an electric-battery-powered SUV at its Georgetown factory. According to Gov. Andy Beshear, who made the announcement in Frankfort, the $591 million project marks the first time the automaker will build an electric vehicle at one of its U.S. plants.” [6/1/23]
LOUISIANA
Nola.com:Smart cars part of new drive to monitor pollution in Louisiana with federal grants
“There's a new drive to monitor pollution in Louisiana's chemical corridor -- literally. Automobiles equipped with complex air monitoring sensors will be capturing information on toxic chemicals as they travel block by block, during both day and night, from Plaquemines Parish to just north of Baton Rouge along Louisiana’s Mississippi River chemical corridor. The project is one of 132 community air pollution monitoring projects nationwide announced by EPA on Thursday that are funded with $53.4 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan.” [10/11/22]
MAINE
WMTW:One year later: Inflation Reduction Act helps boost Maine's clean energy programs
“Green programs have received considerable support from both lawmakers and the governor. The state has implemented multiple wind and solar energy projects. Programs were also created for homeowners to install heat pumps at discounted costs. The White House says the Inflation Reduction Act has created more than 170,000 jobs nationally. With more federal funding for future investments set to arrive, the other speakers today say Maine is on track for a greener future.” [8/16/23]
MARYLAND
CBS News:$5 Million announced for semiconductor research at Morgan State University
“Morgan State University will receive $5 million for advanced magnet and semiconductor research… the funding comes from the National Science Foundation's Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program, and through the passing of the CHIPS and Science Act. The center will offer educational outreach opportunities, summer programs for local high school students, new graduate programs, seminars, and internships..” [5/31/23]
MASSACHUSETTS
Fall River Reporter:Fall River, Springfield, Boston area communities receive over $22 million to plant trees, combat extreme climate
“Massachusetts communities have received more than $22 million in funding from the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The funding comes from a competitive grant program designed to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in communities across the country. The investment was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden in 2022 and is one of many programs available to support projects that will advance priorities for statewide decarbonization and climate resilience.” [9/21/23]
MICHIGAN
WILX 10:Michigan leaders advocate for affordable medications, improved supply chain
“The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. Insulin will now only cost Medicare patients $35 a month and out-of-pocket prescription costs will be capped at $2,000 a year. ‘The number one reason and we’ve surveyed over and over again that people do not take their medication is affordability,’ said Paula Cunningham. State director for AARP Paula Cunningham said many Michiganders have to decide whether to pay rent or get their prescriptions due to rising costs.” [7/07/23]
MINNESOTA
Daily Energy Insider:Xcel Energy sees $1.4B in cost savings through Inflation Reduction Act
“Xcel Energy’s Minnesota customers are expected to save an estimated $1.4 billion in costs over the next 10 years through provisions in the federal Inflation Reduction Act. ‘The Inflation Reduction Act opens up opportunities for us to build upon that progress with additional cost savings that we can pass on directly to our customers,’ said Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. ‘At the same time, the IRA will support our ongoing investments toward a future of 100% carbon-free electricity.’” [2/06/23]
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Public Broadcasting: Federal dollars set to fund infrastructure, clean energy in Mississippi
“The White House says that $3.7 billion has been dedicated to public infrastructure and clean energy investments in Mississippi under the Biden Administration. The federal infusion comes after the passage of both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Of those funds, $1.7 billion will go directly to transportation projects. Major highways throughout the state will get overdue maintenance and updates with the allocated funds.” [8/17/23]
MISSOURI
KOMU 8:Rural energy loan helps Missourians on Energy Efficiency Day
“Nathan Tutt, USDA business program specialist, said now the program can assist more eligible Missourians. ‘Due to the Inflation Reduction Act that was passed by Congress about a year ago, there is now over a billion dollars attributed to the REAP program and to help spend those dollars over the next few years,’ Tutt said.” [10/4/23]
MONTANA
Lewiston News-Argus:$132,000 from Inflation Reduction Act to fund renewable energy development projects in Central Montana
“As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, $1,375,897 in United States Department of Agriculture funding has been secured for 35 renewable energy infrastructure projects across Montana. Over $130,000 of that money will fund projects in Central Montana. The Inflation Reduction Act increased REAP grant amounts and increased program funding by $820 million through Fiscal Year 2031 (FY31). The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses install renewable energy infrastructure or improve their energy efficiency.” [9/4/23]
NEBRASKA
NBC Montana:Buttigieg announces $15 million rail infrastructure boost for Grand Island, opening doors to new industry
“Grand Island may have a mega-site primed for major industry and now the community celebrates a project that could be the missing link to new jobs, as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announces $15 million for new rail infrastructure. ‘Grand Island is so uniquely positioned in that we have road, rail, and air,’ said economic development director Mary Berlie. ‘It just puts Grand Island on the map differently for opportunity and growth. ’” [9/25/23]
NEVADA
KUNR:Nevada shows states how to build workforce for solar energy boom
“These days, clean energy infrastructure construction is booming and with that, so are solar industry jobs. Nevada has jumped to the forefront in retraining workers for jobs at large-scale solar plants, so much so that now, workers from other states are coming here for guidance. Over the longer term, however, the trend is strongly upward. If projects move ahead as planned in Nevada, solar capacity in the state will double by 2029.” [7/27/23]
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Nashua Telegraph:Inflation Reduction Act opens doors for clean energy in Nashua
“For the past several years, Nashua has been a proponent of clean energy and has helped lead the charge in pollution reduction. The IRA offers generous tax incentives for clean energy investments and initiatives such as installing solar panels on city buildings…Should the city purchase a fleet of electric garbage trucks, Energy Manager Doria Brown said Nashua would be eligible for a $40,000 tax credit from the IRA. She also said that since the Nashua Community Power Program was launched five months ago, the cost of electricity has decreased by 10 cents per kilowatt hour. The prior rate was 22 cents per kilowatt hour. ‘Promoting clean energy and providing savings for our residents and businesses is always top of mind for our office,’ she said. ‘The incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act now open up even more possibilities for the city’s clean energy plans. Nashua is well positioned for the transition to a clean energy future.’” [9/21/23]
NEW JERSEY
NJ Spotlight News:Clean-energy jobs powering growth in national economy and NJ
“The clean-energy economy added more than 3 million jobs across the nation last year with New Jersey among five states that recorded job growth in the sector of more than 6%, according to a new report. ‘Last year’s impressive clean energy job growth is just the beginning in terms of expectations for the sector and country,’ Michael Timberlake, E2’s communication director said, praising the Inflation Reduction Act. ‘As long as this legislation is protected from misguided attempts to undo its progress, these job numbers will skyrocket for years to come.’” [9/15/23]
NEW MEXICO
The New Mexico Journal:Report: N.M. is one of 39 states with Inflation Reduction Act clean energy projects
“Three of the projects are located in New Mexico, including the Arcosa wind turbine manufacturing center in the Belen area where President Joe Biden visited last week. Those projects also include the largest solar cell and panel manufacturing center in the country, which is coming to the Mesa del Sol area of Albuquerque. This manufacturing center, owned by Singapore-based company Maxeon, was publicly announced last week. The third project, which was announced in March, is a manufacturing center in Albuquerque that will produce cables that electric utilities can use for grid resiliency efforts. The largest of the projects in New Mexico is the Maxeon solar cell and panel manufacturing center, which represents a $1 billion investment and 1,800 jobs. The $40 million cable manufacturing center, owned by ABB Ltd, will create 55 jobs. The Arcosa wind turbine manufacturing plant that the president visited represents a $55 million investment and 250 jobs.” [8/15/23]
NEW YORK
WSYR 9:Report: Micron formally applies for federal government’s CHIPS incentives
“Micron Technology formally applied to the federal government for incentive funding Monday to build its chip-making megafab in the Town of Clay. According to the company’s filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the subsidiary ‘Micron New York Semiconductor Manufacturing LLC’ submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Commerce for funding from the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. The $100 billion project is promised to comprise of four factories at the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of Clay, bringing 50,000 jobs. Micron heavily credits this funding and the bill’s Investment Tax Credit for its decision to build memory chips in the United States after decades of doing so overseas. The company is also seeking funding from New York State’s Green Chips program and tax breaks from Onondaga County.” [8/21/23]
NORTH CAROLINA
Spectrum News 1:Biden puts clean energy, manufacturing in the spotlight in North Carolina
“North Carolina has attracted several big investments for advanced manufacturing. Toyota is planning a big electric car battery plant near Greensboro. Boom Supersonic plans to build the next generation of supersonic jets at Piedmont-Triad International. Albemarle Corporation, based in Charlotte, is a major supplier of lithium used in electric car batteries, and Vinfast said it plans to build new electric vehicles in Chatham County...Biden said his administration’s work on the Inflation Reductions Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan represent historic investment in the United States.” [3/28/23]
NORTH DAKOTA
KYFR:There could be more incentives for electric vehicles in North Dakota in 2024
“There are more electric cars on the roads, and that means electric vehicle demand is evolving. In 2024, the state’s DOT has plans to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure, and the Inflation Reduction Act Provision will let customers use credits at car dealerships to reduce the price of clean vehicles, both new and previously owned. Because of the Inflation Reduction Act Provisions, starting January 1, 2024, customers purchasing clean vehicles can receive a vehicle credit of up to $7,500 and a credit of up to $4,000 for used vehicles at the point of purchase at a car dealership. The tax credit used to be redeemed while filing taxes. Jason Mosser has been an EV owner for five years. He was in a crash and had to purchase a new electric vehicle and he was able to cash in on the $7,500 tax credit.” [10/6/23]
OHIO
Cleveland.com:Ohio gets Defense Department chip innovation designation and $24.3 million
“The U.S. Department of Defense on Wednesday named an Ohio-led multi-state regional initiative called the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC) one of its eight regional semiconductor chip innovation hubs and awarded it $24.3 million. The MMEC comprises over 65 public, private, and nonprofit entities, with leadership from many key Ohio institutions.” [9/20/23]
OKLAHOMA
Power Engineering International:Enel picks Oklahoma for $1bn solar PV gigafactory
“Enel has picked Inola in Oklahoma for a 3GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant. And the decision is a direct result of the Inflation Reduction Act. Enrico Viale, head of Enel North America, said ‘recent policy tailwinds from the Inflation Reduction Act have served as a catalyst for our solar manufacturing ambitions in the US, ushering in a new era of made-in-America energy’. Enel announced that through its subsidiary 3Sun it will invest more than $1 billion in the facility, which is expected to create 1,000 new jobs by 2025.” [5/22/23]
OREGON
KGW 8:How to make the most of Oregon's new home energy tax credits
“With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, the federal government made an unprecedented $369 billion investment in fighting climate change, and a decent chunk of those dollars will go straight to consumers in the form of tax credits to incentivize home energy efficiency. KGW reached out to Lizzie Rubado, a spokeswoman with Energy Trust of Oregon, to ask what advice she would give to homeowners seeking to make the most of the new tax credits. ‘My advice to them is to be excited,’ Rubado said. ‘Now there are more resources than ever to help homeowners invest in energy efficiency and save themselves money.’ And while the new incentives will certainly be good for the climate, Rubado said those weren’t the biggest selling point for most people. ‘Yes, it's great for the climate and that’s part of the big picture,’ she said. ‘But it's also going to help you save on your costs and its going to make your home more comfortable and, in some cases, healthier in terms of the quality of your air.’’’ [1/12/23]
PENNSYLVANIA
Keystone State News Connection:Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities
“It has been one year since the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding. The groundbreaking law directs $370 billion to clean-energy efforts through tax incentives, grants, and loan guarantees. The Keystone State has set a goal of using 100% clean energy by 2050, and the law is helping to make it a reality. Annie Regan, campaign director for the environmental watchdog group PennFuture, said together, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have brought more than $300 million to Pennsylvania. She pointed out that a variety of projects are already benefiting from the funding. ‘We also know the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering energy costs for families in Pennsylvania, with estimates ranging from $300 to $1,800 in annual savings,’ Regan observed. ‘Folks will notice — within this year, in the next couple of years, especially — that their energy bills will become lower and more affordable.’’’ [9/12/23]
RHODE ISLAND
The Providence Journal:New program will help lower income homeowners get solar panels. Here's how it works
“The price of solar panels continues to drop, but they can still be out of reach for many homeowners. A new state government program in the works in Rhode Island aims to make the installation of rooftop panels that can convert the sun’s energy to electricity more attainable for households that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford the cost. Rhode Island is the first state in the nation to begin moving ahead with a program that uses new incentives under last year’s federal Inflation Reduction Act to help low- and moderate-income households invest in renewable energy systems and do their part to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.’’ [1/12/23]
SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia Business Report:South Carolina businesses benefit from $266M in federal clean energy funding
“South Carolina businesses are benefiting from $266 million in loans and grants being awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. This funding is made possible in part by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.’’ [9/1/23]
SOUTH DAKOTA
Dakota News Now:Federal funding for Western water projects includes $22 million for Mni Wiconi
“The funding, provided in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, will go toward 83 projects in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, California, North Dakota and Washington. The law provided $8.3 billion for water infrastructure projects over five years. South Dakota’s funding includes $22.17 million for maintenance and upgrades to the Mni Wiconi pipeline that brings water from the Missouri River to cities, rural users and Native American reservations in the central and western parts of the state. The money will fund backup generators, watermains, a storage tower near Kadoka, replacement of an eroded crossing under the White River, and replacement of an aging booster station.’’ [4/6/23]
TENNESSEE
90.3 WPLN:Tennessee secured $7B in clean energy business this past year — representing nearly 80% of new investments
“Since last August, Tennessee secured $7 billion through 14 projects, according to WPLN’s analysis of public announcements. The projects represent nearly 80% of all capital investments in the past year, based on the state’s “Transparent Tennessee” business tracker. The manufacturing surge is linked to the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s first major climate law that provides incentives for companies making clean technologies that cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The legislation went into effect on Aug. 16, 2022.’’ [8/29/23]
TEXAS
Houston Chronicle:Houston selected as one of 7 U.S. hydrogen hubs, opening up $1.2 billion in federal funding
“‘What we're on the verge of is creating an entirely new industry,’ Brett Perlman, CEO of the nonprofit Center for Houston’s Future, part of a coalition of energy and technology companies and universities, said in an interview last year. ‘We know Houston needs to decarbonize, but we also believe this is a huge economic development opportunity for the region and the state.’ The White House said the Gulf Coast hydrogen hub would create 10,000 permanent jobs and 35,000 construction jobs throughout the region.” [10/13/23]
UTAH
KSL:Salt Lake City airport expansion project gets cut of $1B in federal infrastructure funds
“‘(The) funding doesn't just improve Salt Lake City International Airport's terminal, it creates opportunities in the community for good-paying jobs and a chance to be part of our country's thriving aviation sector,’ A. Bradley Mims, the agency's deputy administrator, said in a statement." [02/27/23]
VERMONT
VT Digger:EPA chief, Vermont officials announce national Solar for All program in Waterbury
“The EPA has $7 billion in hand for the program, which came from the Inflation Reduction Act, to distribute to as many as 60 entities, including states, territories, tribal governments, municipalities and nonprofits…Ian Shea, a Waterbury resident, spoke alongside Regan and the congressional delegation, detailing his own experience with solar. A middle school science teacher, he said he often touts the benefits of having solar panels to his students. When they asked him whether he had a solar setup himself, he knew it was time to invest. ‘I can say with confidence, I am generating a lot more energy than I’m actually using, which is again, awesome,’ Shea said. ‘The best part about all this is, not only do I own a house here, I own my energy, and that’s an amazing idea.’ [06/28/23]
VIRGINIA
ABC13 News:Virginia to receive $1.56 billion in federal funding for infrastructure development
“This allocation stems from the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is directed straight to the state of Virginia. This allocation grants transportation leaders in Virginia the flexibility to continue their work in the reconstruction of roads and bridges and the optimization of their transportation system, attuned to the specific needs of their state." [10/09/23]
WASHINGTON
The Seattle Times:WA hydrogen production to get a boost from share of $1B in funding
“The new program in the Pacific Northwest intends to produce using electricity generated through hydropower, according to a news release from the senators’ offices. Green said in the short-term the companies will likely purchase renewable energy but companies may chose to eventually acquire wind and solar production themselves. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association was picked over 79 applicants. The project is projected to create 8,050 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs, according to the Department of Energy." [10/13/23]
WEST VIRGINIA
WVNS Bluefield:Federal funding for mental health and substance use services secured by DHHR
“More than $33 million in federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration was awarded to the West Virginia Department of Human Resources and the Bureau for Behavioral Health to sustain or enhance mental health and substance use prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services for West Virginians no matter their age. ‘BBH and its partners are seizing every opportunity to meet our state’s behavioral health needs. With this funding, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of our communities but also investing in the long-term well-being of West Virginians’ said Dawn Cottingham-Frohna, Commissioner for DHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health.” [10/10/23]
WISCONSIN
Longview New-Journal:Reedsburg Utility Commission using federal funds to expand rural high-speed internet
“Farmers in areas currently covered by the Reedsburg Utility Commission's fiber optic service have used it to speed up the process of computer-controlled livestock feeding, Schuppner said. He also discussed the additional convenience in work and education from home and in telehealth services. ‘Without adequate broadband, many of our patients do not have the capability for telehealth visits,’ said Dr. Maureen Murphy of Dean Medical Group. ‘This is a wonderful thing for those patients who will benefit from such expansion.’” [09/27/23]
WYOMING
Casper Star Tribune:Wyoming short-line rail nets federal grant to low emission locomotive:
“‘We’re just a big, key component to allowing smaller customers the ability to have access to rail,’ said Seth Kucera, Chief Operating Officer with BWD. ‘We’re a key point…a key piece of the puzzle for Wyoming and people in the state who don’t have a lot of access points to rail.’…Typically, federal grants fly over smaller entities in rural areas, but the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded opportunities for smaller operators like BWD, according to Kucera.” [09/26/23]