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 79 percent of clean energy employers in Michigan 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: Michigan passed landmark clean energy legislation in 2023, setting a 60 percent renewable energy standard by 2035, 100 percent clean energy standard by 2040, 2,500 MW energy storage standard by 2030, and expanding access to rooftop solar. It also requires energy providers to invest in a diverse energy waste reduction workforce, focusing on workers from low-income, environmental justice, and transitioning fossil fuel communities. There is more that the state can do to advance policies to support EVs, community solar, building electrification, and grid modernization.  Doing so will capitalize on the unprecedented federal investments and incentives and help create thousands of new job opportunities.