Whether it’s a $7,500 tax credit to purchase a new EV or a manufacturing tax credit that spurs a company to develop a multi-billion-dollar battery gigafactory, federal policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are enabling an American business revolution. To meet the nation’s goal of reducing climate emissions 50-52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels – while also making the growing clean energy workforce better-skilled and more equitable – lawmakers should:

• Defend federal clean energy and clean vehicle investments: Since the IRA passed in August 2022, more than 85 large-scale clean energy projects have been announced across the Midwest, according to E2’s Clean Economy Works analysis. That’s more than a quarter of all projects announced nationwide. These projects are expected to spur $31.2 billion in private-sector investments and create more than 87,000 Midwestern jobs. However, the provisions enabling much of this economic activity remain under constant threat, with at least 31 attempts to roll back parts of the IRA so far.
• Develop and fund federal and state workforce development programs: One of the biggest challenges to expanding clean energy job opportunities is filling open positions. Workforce training will be critical to continued industry growth, with 77 percent of clean energy employers in Illinois reporting at least some difficulty hiring workers.
• Invest in transmission: Federal and state governments must work with Midwestern transmission organizations to ensure wind and solar projects are able to connect to the grid and move clean, renewable power throughout the region.
• Advance state-level clean energy policies: Illinois has the opportunity to strengthen the state’s clean energy industry by building on the success of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and electrifying the transportation and building sectors. Doing so will capitalize on the unprecedented federal investments and incentives and helps create thousands of new job opportunities.