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Ready to make a difference in climate policy? But not sure where to start? We have you covered. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to join us for our start-of-the-new Congress briefing series, Climate Camp. We will go over the basics of the legislative process, highlighting key areas and opportunities for climate mitigation and adaptation policy.

Our fourth session in EESI’s Congressional Climate Camp series is on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These laws provide billions of dollars to confront the climate crisis and strengthen critical infrastructure. Panelists provided an update on the status of their implementation, described how state and local governments and organizations are accessing funds, and explained the oversight role Congress must play to maximize these investments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:00 – Start
04:43 – Dr. Henry McKoy, Jr., Director, Office of State and Community Energy Programs, U.S. Department of Energy
19:57 – David Terry, President, National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)University Milken Institute School of Public Health; Director of the GW Climate and Health Institute
32:24 – Panel 1 Q&A
50:57 – Sarah Kline, Consultant, Bipartisan Policy Center
01:02:11 – Kevin Rennert, Fellow; Director, Federal Climate Policy Initiative, Resources for the Future
01:14:49 – Duanne Andrade, Executive Director, Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)
01:28:05 – Jana Barresi, Head of Washington, D.C., Office, Lowe’s Companies Inc.
01:39:03 – Panel 2 Q&A

Topics and Speakers:

Dr. Henry McKoy, Jr.
Director, Office of State and Community Energy Programs, U.S. Department of Energy
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David Terry
President, National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
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Sarah Kline
Consultant, Bipartisan Policy Center
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Kevin Rennert
Fellow; Director, Federal Climate Policy Initiative, Resources for the Future
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Duanne Andrade
Executive Director, Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)
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Jana Barresi
Head of Washington, D.C., Office, Lowe’s Companies Inc.
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This briefing is part of a Congressional briefing series, Congressional Climate Camp 2023:

Budget and Appropriations
Public Polling on Climate Change
Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases
Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

To learn about all the briefings in the series, visit eesi.org/2023cc….(read more)

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Implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The United States is at a crucial point in its economic recovery following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to address the multi-faceted challenges faced by the nation, the government has enacted two significant pieces of legislation – the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Both acts aim to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and improve the country’s infrastructure.

The Inflation Reduction Act primarily focuses on reducing the adverse effects of rising inflation. In recent months, inflation rates have reached levels not seen in years, posing a threat to economic stability. The act includes a comprehensive set of measures to tackle inflation, such as targeted spending cuts, increased transparency and monitoring of price fluctuations, and measures to strengthen the Federal Reserve’s ability to manage and control inflationary pressures.

One key aspect of the Inflation Reduction Act is its emphasis on supporting small businesses and middle-class families. Recognizing the importance of these segments in driving economic growth, the act provides tax credits and incentives to small businesses, relieving their burden and encouraging investment. Additionally, provisions have been put in place to provide relief to working families, including expanded access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, on the other hand, focuses on revitalizing the country’s aging infrastructure. Over the years, the United States has faced numerous challenges with crumbling roads, deteriorating bridges, outdated water systems, and insufficient broadband connectivity. These issues not only hinder economic development but also pose risks to public safety. The act targets a substantial investment of approximately $1 trillion to upgrade and modernize various infrastructural sectors.

The act’s objectives encompass improvements in transportation, broadband connectivity, clean energy, and water systems. This investment will lead to the creation of millions of jobs across the country, boosting employment rates, and ultimately stimulating economic growth. Additionally, the act aims to make critical infrastructure more resilient to climate change and natural disasters, ensuring long-term sustainable development.

The combined impact of these two acts is expected to have a transformative effect on the United States’ economy. By reducing inflationary pressures and investing in infrastructure, the government aims to create a stable and prosperous future for all Americans. The acts’ provisions not only address short-term challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term economic resilience.

Implementing these acts will require careful planning, effective execution, and close collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities. The government must ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the allocation and utilization of funds. In addition, public-private partnerships and effective stakeholder engagement will be crucial in maximizing the benefits derived from these investments.

Critics argue that such a significant investment could lead to increased public debt. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure, job creation, and economic growth will outweigh any short-term concerns. They point to historical examples where infrastructure investments have played a vital role in driving economic prosperity, such as the construction of the interstate highway system.

In conclusion, the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represent crucial steps toward addressing the economic challenges faced by the United States. By tackling rising inflation and investing in infrastructure, these acts aim to create jobs, stimulate growth, and improve the quality of life for all Americans. The successful implementation of these acts will require careful planning, effective execution, and collaboration at all levels of government. As the nation moves forward in recovery, these acts will lay the groundwork for a resilient economy and a brighter future.