Billions of dollars have spawned so many good things in the clean energy transition – almost on a daily basis – most people miss the daily announcements of billions of dollars invested in business, communities and private citizens…lost in the drone and rancor of political news.
Due to the hard work of the Biden-Harris Administration and partners in many sectors of our society, America is deep into the transition!!
Volts Podcast on Substack is one of the most reliabe reporting sources in media today on the clean energy transition in the U.S. David Roberts, the host, interviews Costa Samaras, Chief Advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology about where we are now on the clean energy transition.
Industrial supply chain, labor and widespread planning are next. Utilities that are ready for electrification is next on the trail to a clean, cheap energy society.
This morning an article about Joe Biden’s record of climate legislation appeared in Distilled on Substack. Michael Thomas, the author, believes most Americans need to know how much Biden has accomplished on climate legislation to move the nation and the world toward a viable future.
Thomas compares Biden’s record to what we can expect from a T(Rump) presidency. From believing climate change is a “hoax” to promising to raze environmental regulation, Trump plans to disengage from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which he did when in office (2017 to 2021), and promises to “drill baby drill” to increase oil and gas production. That is reckless with the futures of millions of young Americans and all the countries in the world affected by rising temperatures and its consequences. No one can buy us out of the climate catastrophe that awaits foolish decision makers and the public.
If you care about your children’s future wellbeing, it is imperative that we keep climate innovation at the pace spurred by investment into companies and communities toward a clean energy future through Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Billions of investment dollars are spurring innovation and contributing to a strong economy–stronger than any other nation in the world. The future of clean energy is being laid down now, but it is in its infancy. Will we let a mad man disrupt that again?
Related: “Last year, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) invested nearly $20 billion in promoting climate-smart systems such as advanced grazing management, manure composting, and soil health practices like cover cropping through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) working lands programs. One of the issues under negotiation for the new Farm Bill is whether to keep these funds where they are – supporting and expanding climate smart conservation – or move some or all of the remaining funds into commodity programs where they will accelerate farmland consolidation and further disadvantage small to midscale farms. The 2024 Farm Bill must maintain or expand the IRA investment in helping farmers build climate resilience, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and not raid conservation to support the outdated “get big or get out” agribusiness paradigm.” ~ VA Association for Biological Farming
If you are feeling overwhelmed by climate news and the threats to our democracy, NextGen America and Our Children’s Trust will hearten your spirit.
NextGen America supports the Youth Vote. It made a huge difference in the 2020 election – the fight to save the soul of America and is now gearing up to influence the vote in 2024. Their mission statement is, “NextGen America’s mission is to empower young voters to engage in the political process and ensure our government is responsive to the largest and most diverse generation in American history.”
In a zoom presentation today with Doug Emhoff encouraged us to make sure the vision and investment in America through the Inflation Reduction Act is widely understood. We need to show how it is making a difference in our lives. See the Rewiring America Guide to the IRA below, a handy guidebook to understand the great deals that are now possible for families and individuals as well as businesses, nonprofits, and states and cities. It is massive in its impact IF AMERICANS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. We’ve got ten years of these programs and their savings with this long lasting program. The money is available but only if each of the stakeholders from individual citizens to families to governments take advantage of it. In other words, Biden and Harris have made the Clean Energy Transition possible but we have to be the agents of change by buying an EV, making our appliances and homes more energy efficient, and helping our communities convert to more renewable power until we make the full transition. Please share with your family and friends.
Another very hopeful youth-led group initiative is Our Children’s Trust which support youth taking their governments to court for violation of their rights to a safe and healthy future. *Coming up June 12, the first constitutional trial is happening in Montana. The implication of a rule in their favor can have a massive impact on moving our slow acting governments to make serious, demonstrable actions toward a safe environment for the young generations here now and those coming behind them. Be sure to view it and share with your friends and family to make people aware of these eloquent and brave youth who are pushing adults in power to do the right thing for theirs and future generations.
Below is the Guide to the IRA for citizens. Download it for your own information and use for your family, neighborhood, business, and community.
Rewiring America Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act opportunities for homeowners and drivers, for businesses and nonprofits. Click here to download the guide. [Buy a new stove, dryer, or refrigerator; check out the electric car deals. How can you weatherize your home and save money?]
Read the progress report from the House of Representatives Climate Crisis Committee. Click here.
Listen to Ezra Klein’s podcast, Volts, interview with Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)about the accomplishments with the Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation that meets the U.S. Climate Goals. Click here.
Sun rises on Climate Adaptation: Go America! (Photo by Susan Feathers)
This is a printable article from the National Council of Nonprofits with links and references for nonprofit administrators to begin to plan on how or whether the Inflation Reduction Act can help you reduce your costs for installing clean and cheaper energy, and other green upgrades. You’ll be amazed.
And below is another article on the Maryland Nonprofit Site retrieved 11-15-22
A down to earth discussion of what has to happen literally in less than 8 years to meet the 2030 goals set by the U.S. at the Glasgow COP. This is the minimum reduction in contributions to atmospheric warming to level warming to 1.5 degrees Centigrade. Right now we are moving to overshoot that by as much as a degree by 2100 — a world no one wants to live in.
This needs to be city by city, local people deciding how it will look, who invests in it (think about a church having a chance to invest in the energy production of their township). Lots of decisions need to be made and local groups will need to step up and help save money for people while making the climate safer for everyone. This is why I am devoting my blog posts to helping you learn about the IRA and where to find information. We have a world to change.
RELATED TODAY: Halifax, VA City Council is getting ready to vote on whether to approve a 5 Megawatt Solar Installation. The city population is about 1400. Here is an example of energy transition by local decision makers. In the News & Record, November 14. Its the tip of the wave …
Guide to Decarbonization through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) climate mitigation funding and policies with Jessie Jenkins at Princeton University.
Susan Feathers 