RELEASE: Clean Energy Companies and Leaders Celebrate “Incredible” First Year of Job-Creating, Cost-Saving Inflation Reduction Act
(Washington, D.C.) – Touting the law’s “game-changing” benefits that will help “generations to come,” over a dozen clean energy leaders from across the U.S. celebrated the first year of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law August 16, 2022. Sharing their trendspotting, on-the-ground perspective, the leaders also decried partisan attempts to defund the clean energy manufacturing law, efforts that will “hurt us all.”
The leaders’ full statements are listed below (in alphabetical order by organization name).
Aclima (of California): “In its first year, the Inflation Reduction Act has demonstrated commitment to the tangible climate action — protecting public health, reducing emissions, delivering clean air to all — that Aclima has been working towards for more than a decade. Aclima is proud to celebrate the anniversary of the IRA, the first comprehensive climate law in American history. As Aclima continues to deploy groundbreaking technology that maps and measures air pollution and greenhouse gasses block by block in cities across the U.S., we are already seeing the positive impacts of the IRA. From increased funding for emissions reduction plans to new climate programs and initiatives, we’re excited to continue our work together with the U.S. government, our environmental justice colleagues, and advisors towards an equitable, clean air future.”
Allume Energy (of California), Cameron Knox, chief executive officer: “"The Inflation Reduction Act played a pivotal role in bolstering the success of Allume Energy, whose solar distribution technology for multifamily buildings was able to flourish. This Act created a favorable environment for sustainable solutions like Allume's, contributing to a brighter and more cost-effective future for both energy consumers and the planet."
ALLY Energy (of Texas), Katie Mehnert, founder and chief executive officer: “ALLY Energy is excited about the recent U.S. Department of Energy report out and the growth in energy jobs. We're working hard to help all Americans reap the great benefits of working in the energy transition. Based in Texas, the Energy Capital of the World, we're proud to be helping companies large and small with workforce needs.”
Arcadia (of Washington, D.C), Kiran Bhatraju, founder and chief executive officer: "Arcadia is providing the benefits of community solar to 200,000 households today, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to what we know this market can be. Thanks to the IRA, we're seeing rapid growth in community solar and are on track to help millions of families save money while supporting local clean energy."
Banyan Infrastructure (of California), Amanda Li, co-founder and chief operating officer: "The Inflation Reduction Act was the push we needed to take sustainable infrastructure investment into the mainstream. With the funding of the IRA, we're seeing many more projects become bankable that otherwise were unprofitable or too risky, like smaller distributed projects or newer technologies. With more access to capital for clean energy projects, we can now tackle the challenges needed to scale operations, modernize the project finance industry, and deliver much-needed capacity to the energy transition."
Bay Bridge Ventures (of California), Kim Kolt, general partner: “Since those with the least will suffer the most, the IRA plays an important role in making these essential life-changing adaptations more accessible for those who have less. Attempts to repeal it will hurt us all, but more often than not, will hurt the folks who are unaware of the magnitude of such effects. It is on us to take responsibility for those who don't have the ability to protect this legislation right now.”
CleanChoice Energy (of Washington, D.C.), Zoë Gamble Hanes, president: “CleanChoice Energy is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – legislation that is opening countless doors across the clean energy sector by driving down consumer energy costs, increasing American energy security and setting the U.S. on the path for substantially reducing emissions in the decades ahead. As the first U.S. 100% green “gen-tailer" that both owns solar generation assets and sells clean energy directly to consumers, CleanChoice Energy will see the invaluable, positive effect this legislation is having at both ends of the clean energy value chain. We believe the climate investments and energy incentives of the IRA are key steppingstones toward creating a more sustainable future for our planet and are confident that its impacts will be felt for generations to come.”
Clean Energy for America (of Washington, D.C.), Andrew Reagan, executive director: “We’re celebrating this law because America’s clean energy workforce is celebrating, because America’s consumers are celebrating. The IRA has already been a big deal for them, and it will continue to be. Nothing can hold a candle to the economic power that’s been so swiftly unleashed by the president’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan and the IRA’s incredible investments in American jobs and manufacturing.”
Clean Energy Associates (of Colorado): "The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has inherently changed the industry dynamics and underlying economics of establishing clean energy technology and manufacturing operations in the United States. In the past year since the IRA was signed into law, CEA has tracked announcements of 45 new solar PV module manufacturing facilities and 35 new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities, with additional, not yet announced, projects under development. The announced manufacturing projects represent a 1,398% increase in U.S. domestic solar manufacturing capacity and a 1,161% increase in U.S. domestic lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity. More importantly these projects could result in as many as 73,950 new U.S. jobs."
CLS Wind (of Texas), Kent Johnson, co-founder and chief executive officer: “The Inflation Reduction Act, by mitigating economic uncertainty and promoting growth, provides a solid foundation for long-term investments in renewable energy, ultimately contributing to the global fight against climate change and ensuring a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. CLS Wind fully supports the law and will continue to develop game-changing wind energy technology in the U.S., for the U.S., and with U.S. resources.”
COI Energy (of New York), Dr. Ramona Hollie-Major, chief operating officer: “COI Energy proudly acknowledges the Inflation Reduction Act's remarkable impact in propelling us towards sustainable and innovative solutions. Through the GSA Green Proving Ground Program, we've witnessed tremendous strides towards a greener future, thanks to the Act's unwavering commitment to clean energy technology and grid-interactive efficient buildings. With its incentives, this Act has unlocked new avenues for financing, empowering us to scale and deploy game-changing clean energy technologies across diverse communities, making a meaningful difference in countless lives. It's abundantly clear that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity go hand in hand, and we stand at the forefront of this momentous transformation, grateful for the Act's vision fueling our passion for a cleaner, greener future.”
DG+Design (of California), David Ganske, founder and chief executive officer: "The IRA unleashed a tremendous opportunity for climate tech and a year after it was passed, there is still incredible enthusiasm for what it means to our economy and the planet. We have already seen more investment and job growth from the law, both for DG+ and for our clients. In addition, we are seeing a new wave of people enter the climate tech industry from others – including oil and gas – showing that the law is pushing renewable energy and sustainability into the mainstream."
Donovan Energy (of Ohio), Tim Donovan, founder and chief executive officer: “Marking the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) reminds us of its transformative impact on the clean energy sector. Since its introduction, the IRA has significantly boosted growth for companies like Donovan Energy, launching numerous projects and creating thousands of jobs. The Biden Administration's Justice40 Initiative further reinforces our national commitment to environmental and social justice. This is just the start of the clean energy journey in America. By upholding the principles of the IRA, we’re setting the stage for a sustainable and just energy future.”
Edison Energy (of California), Shannon Holzer, Head of Policy: “Because of the IRA, more companies can now afford to decarbonize their operations and supply chains. This transformative law provides critical tools and funding for the private sector to reduce their scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, including tax credits to support the deployment of renewable energy projects, energy storage, and electric vehicles. Importantly, because of the IRA, more corporate renewable buyers than ever can afford to meet their renewable energy and sustainability goals. As IRS guidance rolls out, renewable developers will formalize their assumptions to secure the updated clean energy tax credits, giving renewable buyers more confidence in PPA prices going forward, despite ongoing market headwinds. Companies must take action to secure this influx of federal funding, wherever they are on their sustainability journeys.”
ESS Tech Inc. (of Oregon), Eric Dresselhuys, chief executive officer: "As one of the only commercial long-duration energy storage providers currently manufacturing in the U.S., we're seeing increased interest in our products from utilities and C&I customers looking to take advantage of the IRA's incentives for storage solutions that meet the domestic content requirement. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, we will need an estimated 30-40 TWh of long-duration energy storage in the US by 2040 to ensure a reliable and resilient clean energy system. We are scaling our production to meet this demand with a predominantly domestic supply chain and one of the safest and most sustainable battery technologies on the market."
GreenWealth Energy (of California), Ariel Fan, chief executive officer: "The milestone of the year-old Inflation Reduction Act proves its worth as a catalyst for progress, propelling the growth of clean energy, jobs, and a greener tomorrow. As a proud woman-owned and person of color business, we at GreenWealth Energy, are honored to witness its positive impact. Electrification is now and we are part of the growing EV charging deployment, building a community of business and local leaders, workforce training opportunities, and equity and inclusion for all to participate in today. Let's stay committed to the IRA's vision, nurturing America's clean energy revolution and securing a sustainable future for generations to come."
HASI (of Maryland), Susan Nickey, executive vice president and chief client officer: “The Inflation Reduction Act's first year serves as a testament to the power of forward-looking, long-term energy policy. The landmark law has unleashed billions in private sector investments, sparking a clean energy manufacturing boom and driving job creation nationwide. We are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of the energy transition that is laying the foundation for the deployment of massive amounts of affordable, clean, and reliable power over the next decade-plus.”
Heirloom (of California): “One year ago, the Inflation Reduction Act propelled America forward in the race to stop the worst of climate change. Today, the baton is in the hands of companies like Heirloom to deliver quality jobs and benefits in the country's most climate-vulnerable communities. Accelerated by the IRA and world-leading legislation, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're on pace to remove 1 billion tons of CO2 from the air annually. And we're proud to celebrate this anniversary as a start-up that is helping chart the course to net-zero emissions.”
kWh Analytics (of California), Jason Kaminsky, co-founder and chief executive officer, “The solar industry is forecasted to build as much in the next five years as the prior twenty years combined thanks in part to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. kWh Analytics is proud to facilitate the continued growth of solar as part of a larger movement to fight climate change through providing specialized insurance coverage to promote and protect the development of and investment in renewable energy projects.”
LanzaJet (of Illinois), Jimmy Samartzis, chief executive officer: “The Inflation Reduction Act has been the single greatest catalyst for the advancement of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry globally. It set the bar for the world in terms of what’s possible to drive the support necessary to build a new industry that is changing the way aviation will grow and the way people will fly for decades to come. There is no greater opportunity for the aviation industry to decarbonize than SAF and the IRA has enabled the US to lead the world in building that opportunity.”
Launch Alaska (of Anchorage, Alaska), Isaac Vanderburg, chief executive officer: “The Inflation Reduction Act has significantly ramped up climate technology project deployment across the country - something Launch Alaska is laser focused on, especially in the sectors of energy, transportation, and industry. We are energized and excited to see additional economic opportunity and deployment of innovative clean technologies in the coming years as a result of the IRA, as well as the complementary Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Especially in Alaska's rural communities that experience the adverse impacts of climate change every day, we have no time to waste. Federal programs to decarbonize, electrify, and grow the clean economy are critical to move forward the energy transition in our state and the entire country.”
Mosaic (of California), Billy Parish, founder and executive chair of the board: "It’s important that we recognize the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. Not only has it empowered households at all income levels to benefit from clean energy through billions of dollars of rebates, but it’s created more than 100,000 good-paying jobs. The clean energy revolution involves an incredibly diverse workforce, from people who manufacture, distribute and install sustainable home solutions to those who specialize in financing, software and technology. It’s clear that investing in clean energy is good for people, our communities and our environment."
New Columbia Solar (of Washington D.C.), Michael Healy, chief executive officer: “The law’s historic clean energy investments have provided certainty to our business, suppliers, and partners. And no doubt, it has led to a jobs boom for made-in-America clean energy, and our communities are seeing more savings on their energy bills.”
NineDot Energy (of New York), David Arfin, co-founder and chief executive officer, “New York state has committed to 100 percent clean energy by 2040, and NineDot Energy is hard at work designing innovative solutions that leverage technology, policy and markets to support a sustainable future. As the clean energy transition continues, we are proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation that has allowed us to build critical energy storage systems and make an impact on New York’s grid. Our team is thrilled to continue our work to lower dependence on peaker plants and foster a cleaner, healthier environment for the NYC metro area, accelerated by the IRA.”
QCells (of California), Danny O'Brien, president of corporate affairs: “Just months after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, Qcells responded to the pivot to renewables in the U.S. with an historic and bold decision to build a complete, domestic solar supply chain largely centered in Georgia. The IRA and a welcoming business environment in Georgia made our investments possible. As a result, by the end of 2024 over 4,000 Americans will be employed by Qcells in the U.S, building clean energy that will make communities more resilient, energy more affordable, and the country less dependent on fossil fuels and foreign supply chains.”
Sunrun (of California), Mary Powell, chief executive officerl: “In the year since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, Sunrun installed a nuclear-power-plant’s worth of rooftop solar across the United States. We are reducing our customers’ energy burdens and serving more families in low-income and disadvantaged communities than ever before. We look forward to helping more Americans take control of their electricity bills, become more energy independent and reduce their carbon emissions, all at the same time.”
Verde Energy Efficiency Experts (of Illinois), Jamie Johnson, chief executive officer: “After a successful building electrification pilot project in Oak Park, Illinois, the Inflation Reduction Act and the funding allotted will allow us to replicate and decarbonize a greater number of older buildings in Illinois. Not only is this work important to our community, but the VHE HVAC concept solves many issues our clients have in terms of heating, cooling and most importantly, ventilation.”
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Contact: Kris Fetterman, kris@sevenletter.com
Clean Energy for America: CE4A was formed to be a voice for the clean energy workforce, a new powerhouse of energy stakeholders, who overwhelmingly support ambitious action on climate to grow our economy and create jobs. Clean Energy for America is of, for, and by the rapidly emerging clean energy workforce. Led by some of the most influential leaders across the industry, CE4A has operations across the country, mobilizing the clean energy industry for grassroots engagement – carrying forward the momentum and demand for a clean energy economy.
