Daniel Aldana Cohen and Thea Riofrancos: Biden’s climate strategy needs a populist reset
The Inflation Reduction Act's benefits remain unclear to many Americans, as rising costs and economic disparities leave some questioning the Biden administration’s approach to green energy.
Daniel Aldana Cohen and Thea Riofrancos write for The New York Times.
In short:
- Only 24% of registered voters feel positively affected by the Inflation Reduction Act, while a significant portion remains unsure or unaffected.
- Federal tax credits for energy upgrades and electric cars disproportionately benefit higher-income households, while renters and lower-income families struggle with rising utility bills.
- Local initiatives like New York’s affordable housing policy and Pennsylvania’s Whole Homes Repair program show how states can address both economic and climate-related issues.
Key quote:
“We must replace the Prius economy with one focused on affordable green housing, higher wages, cheap clean energy, lower commuting costs and expanded mass transit.”
— Daniel Aldana Cohen and Thea Riofrancos
Why this matters:
Economic inequality and climate issues are deeply linked, and current policies may fall short in addressing working-class struggles. State and local initiatives could bridge the gap, but federal support remains critical for comprehensive, lasting change.
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