I usually expect good news on climate in April, as everyone announces their big accomplishments and new ambitions for Earth Day. But this year, the biggest climate win has come in August. Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is by far the best news on climate in the U.S. in a long time, perhaps ever. So what is the Inflation Reduction Act, what does it have to do with climate, and why does it matter for Madison? At a time when the global inflationary crisis is driving up the cost of everyday goods and services, federal lawmakers designed the IRA to combat inflation by making historic investments in climate action and healthcare that will lower energy and healthcare costs for households and businesses while drastically cutting climate pollution. These investments in clean energy and transportation, in making homes and businesses more energy efficient, and in expanding green domestic manufacturing will put the U.S. on track to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. The IRA will help Madison reach our climate goals by providing funding directly to local households and businesses to take actions that reduces their energy costs and carbon footprints. The IRA will make clean energy and transportation more accessible for everyone in our community by providing support for:

The new law also provides support for local businesses to make climate-smart investments and grow our green economy, through:

These federal investments will complement and accelerate Madison’s Climate Forward Agenda by providing much needed funding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building and transportation sectors. IRA incentives will help increase the reach of City programs that support energy efficiency upgrades to naturally-occurring affordable housing and rooftop solar for homes and businesses through MadiSUN, and accelerate the transition of the City’s fleet to low- and no-carbon fuels, among other ongoing initiatives. The timing is fortuitous for new programs as well. The City is working to develop a new Building Energy Savings Program that aims to help large commercial buildings owners identify opportunities to increase their energy efficiency and save money. IRA incentives will make these investments even more affordable.

Not to be overlooked – the IRA also makes historic investments in healthcare, environmental justice, accelerating large-scale renewable energy and decarbonizing the electric grid, and improving climate resilience. While it will take some time for the full effect of this landmark climate law to be felt, I am sure that we won’t need to wait until April to see the new accomplishments and ambitions that this unprecedented federal investment in our climate will unlock.

Thank you to Representatives Mark Pocan, Gwen Moore, and Ron Kind and Senator Tammy Baldwin for your leadership on climate action and supporting this critical investment in a healthy clean energy future for Wisconsin.

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