E2: Climate change is battering our economy; Congress should seize opportunity to pass legislation that can help
WASHINGTON (July 28, 2022) – Sen. Joe Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have agreed to historic legislation that includes the biggest investments into clean energy and climate action in our nation’s history, the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.”
Following is a statement from Bob Keefe, executive director of the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) and author of the new book “Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle to Save Our Planet”:
“It’s significant that the country’s most sweeping climate legislation is also economic legislation. Climate change is battering our economy and hitting us all in the pocketbook, sending up costs for everything from food to electricity to insurance.
“The good news is that solar and wind are now the cheapest energy sources available for most utilities. Electric vehicles are cheaper for consumers and businesses tired of paying $5-$6-$7 a gallon for gasoline. And energy efficiency can help us all save money with every monthly power bill.
“But we need federal legislation to make those things more affordable and more available to more Americans. The devil is in the details, but this bill promises to do just that. Members of Congress from both parties should seize this opportunity to quickly refine and pass legislation that is good for both our economy and our environment.”
NOTE: On August 3, E2 will release its annual Clean Jobs America 2022 report, including details on clean energy jobs for every sector and subsector in every state, and background on how policies such as the Inflation Reduction Act can create more clean energy jobs across the country.
Meantime, for more information see these links:
- Details and data about the economic costs of climate change.
- Details on clean energy jobs, including data sorted by sector for every state, metro area and congressional district.
- E2’s 2021 Clean Jobs America report.
For interviews or more information, please contact Alex Frank at (703) 276-3264 or [email protected]
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E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals from every sector of the economy who advocate for smart policies that are good for the economy and good for the environment. Our members have founded or funded more than 2,500 companies, created more than 600,000 jobs, and manage more than $100 billion in venture and private equity capital. For more information, see www.e2.org or follow us on Twitter at @e2org.