Clean Energy Lobbying on Capitol Hill

Over 2,000 clean energy companies and organizations are actively lobbying Congress to preserve IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) clean energy tax credits.  The coalition is holding over 100 meetings with bipartisan lawmakers and sending letters of support.  Leading organizations include: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), National Hydropower Association, Oceantic Network, Climate Power Business Council for Sustainable Energy.

Key arguments by clean energy advocates:

Federal tax credits are vital for:

• • • • Domestic clean energy manufacturing
      • Energy independence from foreign adversaries
      • Job creation in the U.S. energy sector
      • Cutting the cost of renewable energy deployment

Without these credits, clean energy deployment could decline by 237 GW over the next 15 years, impacting 36 million homes.

Impact on Manufacturing and Jobs:

• • • • • • 70-80% of federal clean energy investments are in red states, primarily in manufacturing.
          • The policies have enabled domestic solar manufacturers to meet all U.S. demand for solar panels.

Energy Demand and Security:

• • • • • • The U.S. is experiencing the largest energy demand spike since World War II.
          • Clean energy tax credits are crucial for advancing energy security and independence.

Investment in Offshore Wind:

• • • • • • Energy tax credits are facilitating over $25 billion in U.S. offshore wind investments.
          • These investments are creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing and shipbuilding.

Economic Competitiveness:

• • • • • • Calls are being made for Congress to maintain supportive policies during this economic boom.
          • Investments are vital to keeping America competitive in the global energy market.

Future of Clean Energy Projects

• • • • • • Businesses across the country are initiating plans for new energy manufacturing projects.
          • These projects will focus on solar panels, batteries, and other American-made energy solutions.

Advocacy from Industry Leaders:

• • • • • • Leaders emphasize the importance of recognizing the impact of clean energy policies.
          • Maintaining tax credits is essential to secure jobs and investments for American workers.

Comments from industry leaders:
Abigail Ross Hopper (SEIA): Federal policies allow U.S. solar manufacturers to meet domestic demand.
Bob Keefe (E2): Investments should continue to foster the growing manufacturing boom and job creation.
Liz Burdock (Oceantic Network): Offshore wind energy is creating billions in investments and thousands of jobs.

Industry Advances and Challenges:

1. 1. 1. 1. Solar and Wind Projects Growth:
            • Clean energy investments are concentrated in red states (70–80% of federal investments since 2023).
            • 90% of federal investments support the manufacturing sector (e.g., solar panels, batteries).
         2. Resilience in Energy Systems:
            • Florida benefits from storm-resistant solar streetlights capable of withstanding Category 5 hurricanes.

Setbacks:

• • • • • KORE Power canceled its $1 billion plan for a lithium-ion battery factory in Arizona; CEO resigned.

Helping Photovoltaic:  Solar Solutions for Consumers:

• • • • • Services like EnergySage offer tools for consumers to compare pre-vetted solar installers, enabling cost savings of 20–30%.

Knowledge is Key:  Broader Green Energy Insights:

• • • • • Growing clean energy initiatives suggest a shift from fossil fuels as countries aim to meet rising energy demands in the U.S. while improving climate sustainability.  Lawmakers need to be vigilant in their approach.

Conclusion

Advocates of green energy argue that preserving clean energy tax credits is essential for ensuring energy security, creating jobs, stabilizing energy costs, and accelerating renewable energy deployment in the U.S.

Source: Energyone.biz [email protected] 480.419.8210