Heinrich, Smith Highlight Electrification Measures In Inflation Reduction Act

Press Release

Electrification Caucus Senate Co-Chairs Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) participated in an "Electric Explainer," a virtual event hosted yesterday by Rewiring America to discuss the historic climate provisions included in the Inflation Reduction Act, their impacts on lowering costs for American households, and how this generational investment would transform America's energy and climate trajectory.

"The clean energy and electrification investments that we ultimately secured in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 represent by far the most significant steps that Congress has ever taken to spur the widespread deployment of highly-efficient, fully electric and climate pollution free technologies. These electric technologies from air source heat pumps for home heating to induction stovetops and electric clothes dryers have already leapfrogged their fossil fuel-powered alternatives in terms of both efficiency and performance. Because these electric technologies are more efficient and less expensive to operate, they will also help families across the country realize significant savings on their energy bills. This is particularly important at a time when so many Americans have been experiencing the pinch from inflation at the gas pump and in their gas and utility bills. We have moved mountains in the last year, and we are on the verge of getting something very deeply meaningful to the President's desk," said Heinrich.

"The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which Senate Democrats are on the verge of passing, is the most significant action to fight the climate emergency, to lower costs for Americans and to put U.S. workers and manufacturers at the forefront of a clean energy future. This legislation will be good for the economy, creating over 1.4 million jobs by building out domestic supply chains and manufacturing. It will also be good for our health, lower air pollution caused by fossil fuels will save lives, estimates are somewhere between 3,700 and 3,900 premature deaths will be averted. The Inflation Reduction Act makes the upfront transition to clean, electric appliances for example more within reach and cost effective for folks who don't have thousands of dollars sitting around in their savings account. This bill will make it possible for folks to make the clean energy transition. With more clean power we don't need to worry as much about the geopolitics that have caused so much of the recent rapid inflation in fossil fuels. We have to get it done now, and I look forward to celebrating once we have got this over the finish line,"said Smith.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a new rebate program that mirrors Senator Heinrich's Zero-Emission Homes Act to provide upfront, point-of-sale rebates for the purchase and installation of electric appliances and equipment in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, with additional support for low- and moderate- income households.

The latest research from Rewiring America indicates electrification provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act will enable one million low- and moderate-income households to go electric. Combined with electrification provisions offering tax rebates for American households, the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce U.S. carbon pollution 40% below 2005 levels by 2030.

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