Climate Change
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As a mother of two young daughters, Congresswoman Trahan knows we must urgently work to combat the climate crisis to protect our planet for generations to come. Congresswoman Trahan is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which holds jurisdiction on a wide variety of environmental issues including clean air, safe drinking water, renewable energy, and climate change. Over the past decade, Massachusetts has experienced fourteen extreme weather events, costing up to $5 billion in physical damages alone. It is more important than ever that we act to prevent further harm. Inflation Reduction Act Congresswoman Trahan voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act, which took unprecedented steps towards combating climate change, made possible by the largest ever climate action investment totaling $370 billion.
Through the IRA, millions of families in Massachusetts are eligible to receive tax credits for making sustainable home investments. The cost of new energy-efficient appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters, dryers, and stoves are covered by rebates of up to 100%. Additionally, low and middle-income families are eligible to receive tax credits for the installation of solar panels, weatherizing their homes, and upgrading their HVAC systems. These measures lower energy costs for families by an average of $500 annually.
Massachusetts currently has 113,000 high-quality, good-paying clean energy jobs. The IRA invests over $11 billion in large-scale clean power generation and storage here in the Commonwealth over the next 8 years, meaning abundant job growth and a reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels that are a key driver of high inflation. Additionally, the IRA strengthens the energy supply chain, eliminating bottlenecks and reducing the risk of future supply shocks. The IRA also invests heavily in research and development, including at strong research institutions like UMass Lowell, to maintain the US’s global leadership on clean energy R&D.
The IRA stands to reduce carbon emissions in almost every sector of the economy. From investing in clean energy sources and storage, to reducing emissions of industrial manufacturing, the IRA will have a huge impact on our national carbon footprint. Research and development funded by the IRA will also allow for new and updated tech to aid in this transition.
This legislation takes into account the broad spectrum of American communities it is meant to serve, including in the Third District. Bay staters living in cities and towns that have faced the brunt of the climate crisis can receive a variety of grants designed to incorporate them into the green economy. Rural towns across the Commonwealth, like those housing our 7,200 farms, can be rewarded through tax credits for practicing climate-smart agriculture. Funding is also provided for the upkeep of forests and green spaces in these communities. Rebuilding our Infrastructure Understanding the threats posed by the climate crisis, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - which the House passed and President Biden signed into law- makes bold investments in Third District infrastructure. Specifically, the package invests $7.5 billion to build the first-ever national network of electric vehicle chargers, $5 billion for zero emissions and clean buses and $50 billion to make America’s infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber attacks. Protecting Third District families Methane is responsible for a quarter of climate warming. After the previous administration gutted clear air rules designed to protect Americans’ health and prevent further climate damage, Congresswoman Trahan voted for S.J. Res. 14, legislation that restored methane pollution standards critical in the fight against climate change. Delivering real results The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also allocated $3.5 billion to weatherize homes and buildings, an important initiative designed to reduce families’ utilities bills by keeping houses warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. Congresswoman Trahan joined U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to see the real results of these federal investments in Massachusetts infrastructure. Together, they visited a home that had recently undergone weatherization efficiency upgrades. Additional Supported Legislation New England Coastal Protection Act* Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act* Bears Ears Expansion and Respect for Sovereignty Act * indicates the Congresswoman is an Original Cosponsor of that legislation. |