One year after passage, conservationists, builders celebrate Inflation Reduction Act
President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act a year ago this week to help promote clean energy and reduce the impacts of climate change. The law sets aside funds for infrastructure and green energy projects across the country, and $4 billion in Arizona.
The act has had positive effects for Arizona residents.
Projects across state
Blaise Caudill with Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office says the state has already received some funds, including a $3 million grant to come up with a climate action plan to reduce pollution.
"Things like fleet electrification for example, or things that help improve air quality throughout the state," Caudill told reporters Wednesday.
Caudill said the state is working with local governments in Pima and Maricopa counties on those projects and others, like rebates for low-income residents making their homes more energy-efficient.
Tucson is getting $44 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero it and other funding will go toward climate resilience initiatives — like cooling centers, electric buses and a city initiative that aims to bring down urban temperatures by planting one million trees.
Solar growth
Industry analysts say that solar has made a strong showing in the state and that trend is likely to continue as projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act break ground.
Members of the construction industry and conservation groups recently marked the first year of the act in a forum organized by the Sierra Club. They said the act continues to bring renewable energy jobs to the private sector.
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.
