Trump and GOP Attacks on IRA Can't Score a Clean Sweep in Red States
Sunday, Jan 12, 2025 10:06 am ET
2min read Despite the Republican Party's opposition to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), red states are reaping significant economic benefits from the legislation. A report by E2, a nonpartisan group of business leaders, highlights the positive impact of the IRA on Republican-led districts and states. The IRA, signed into law in August 2022, has led to the announcement of 334 major clean energy and electric vehicle projects across the country, creating an estimated 109,278 new jobs and bringing in $126 billion in private investments.
The report found that nearly 60% of the announced projects are in Republican congressional districts, representing 85% of the investments and 68% of the jobs. This is despite the fact that no Republican voted for the legislation. Some examples of red states benefiting from IRA investments include:
* North Carolina's 9th district, represented by Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, has nearly $9.9 billion in clean energy investments, the most of any congressional district.
* Georgia's 11th congressional district, represented by Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk, has $6.6 billion in clean energy investments.
* Nevada's 2nd congressional district, represented by Republican Rep. Mark Amodei, has $6.6 billion in clean energy investments.
* South Carolina's 2nd congressional district, represented by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson, is expected to see the largest clean energy employment growth from new clean energy projects, with an estimated 5,050 jobs.
The economic implications of IRA-funded projects in Republican-led districts are significant. The projects are expected to create jobs, bring investment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global clean energy market. Local communities and businesses in red states are benefiting significantly from the IRA, with new clean energy projects, investments, and jobs being created in Republican-led districts and states.
However, the future of the IRA is uncertain, as the November election approaches and former President Trump continues to criticize the legislation. Despite Trump's attacks, the IRA has proven to be a significant driver of economic growth and job creation in red states. The IRA's benefits are unlikely to be fully repealed, as once enacted, legislation is difficult to fully repeal. Instead, the real risks to the IRA are around the excision of certain provisions, which could happen through tightening the qualifications, the use of executive action, or through use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
In conclusion, while Trump and the GOP may continue to attack the IRA, the legislation's benefits to red states are undeniable. The IRA has created jobs, brought investment, and stimulated economic growth in Republican-led districts and states. As the November election approaches, it will be important for voters to consider the economic benefits of the IRA when casting their ballots. The IRA's success in red states demonstrates that the legislation is a win-win for both the economy and the environment.
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