Red states reap most benefits from climate law they oppose
A majority of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy jobs and investments have flowed to Republican states, despite their lawmakers’ opposition.
Kristi E. Swartz reports for Floodlight.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act has led to more than 330 clean energy projects, generating 109,278 jobs and $126 billion in investments, mostly in GOP districts.
- Conservative states like Georgia and North Carolina have seen significant economic boosts, yet their representatives remain critical of the climate law.
- Some Republicans are reconsidering their opposition, fearing repeal could hurt their states' economies.
Key quote:
“This is what I truly believe is the biggest economic revolution that this country has seen in generations, and it’s because we finally, finally, finally in this country decided to do something about climate change and clean energy.”
— Bob Keefe, executive director of E2
Why this matters:
The IRA is reshaping the U.S. economy, particularly in conservative regions, but political resistance to the law could jeopardize these gains, affecting both the environment and jobs.
Related: Opinion: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding
