Opinion: The Inflation Reduction Act is helping us build a stronger, cleaner Michigan

Back

Opinion: The Inflation Reduction Act is helping us build a stronger, cleaner Michigan

News Category: Media

Opinion: The Inflation Reduction Act is helping us build a stronger, cleaner Michigan

By Winnie Brinks | The 'Gander

This November, Michiganders have the responsibility to determine who will lead our country forward and whether or not we continue on the path of growth and sustainability. Our state has been a national leader in implementing clean energy policies and programs, something that is only possible with strong partners in the White House.

In their many visits to Michigan – including my hometown of Grand Rapids – Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have put the spotlight on Michigan as a success story of economic growth and clean energy efforts working hand in hand.

Thanks to investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), cities and towns across Michigan are making significant strides in fostering innovation and economic growth while safeguarding our natural resources so we can pass on the promise of “Pure Michigan” to future generations.

The IRA is our nation’s most significant investment in clean energy. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in clean energy, economic opportunity, and a better path for future generations.

For Michigan, the IRA aligned particularly well with our state’s manufacturing legacy and growing leadership in clean energy. The law’s impact is already being felt, driving $26.6 billion in new clean energy investments and creating nearly 22,000 jobs in rewarding careers. These jobs span various sectors, from manufacturing jobs working on electric vehicles and clean transportation technology to energy efficiency improvements in homes and expanding renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which will help lower energy costs for families.

In Lansing, we acted quickly to maximize the IRA’s potential by passing a number of forward-thinking climate policies aimed at striking a balance in safeguarding our natural resources and protecting the health and safety of our residents while building a robust economy for the future. I am incredibly proud of the leadership role the Michigan Senate took in creating and passing the Clean Energy Future package – consequential policies that set ambitious climate goals while providing communities with the tools and resources needed.

It is not enough to pass laws; we must ensure our state is prepared to implement these programs effectively, particularly to ensure that Michigan workers benefit from the clean energy transition and that we support our cities and towns to take full advantage of IRA resources available to them by providing technical assistance and matching funds.

These efforts are paying off. Thanks to IRA investments, electric vehicles (EV) and clean energy manufacturing transition projects support 700 jobs at General Motors’ Lansing plant, 536 jobs at ZF North America’s Marysville plant, and 500 jobs at Nel Hydrogen. In addition to large-scale projects, the IRA is working for everyday families across the state. Over 117,000 Michigan households accessed tax rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in just two years.

As a member of the NewDEAL, a network of 200 exceptional state and local elected officials, I am optimistic that policymakers will continue to harness the IRA to deliver tangible climate solutions.

The work is just beginning. We have made significant strides and are determined to continue delivering results. The upcoming election will profoundly affect whether we continue on this path of sustainability and economic prosperity.

Leaders like Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz champion an economy that works for everyone and will invest in clean air and clean jobs, making America the leader in the rapidly growing clean energy economy. Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to dismiss the very real consequences of climate change and has pledged to end IRA investments. In other words, a Harris-Walz administration will invest in communities across Michigan, while another Trump administration will bring only insults and job losses, just like last time.

Here in Michigan, the same dynamics play out in numerous down-ballot races. Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, who strongly backed the passage of the IRA and has emphasized the law’s cost-saving benefits for residents, is being opposed by Republican Mike Rogers, who denounced the IRA investments in Michigan manufacturing.

Voters have a clear choice and the responsibility to choose a more sustainable future. By supporting strong climate leadership, we can ensure Michigan stays on the path toward economic growth, environmental protection, and an indeed “Pure Michigan.”

Author

Winnie Brinks

Winnie Brinks represents Grand Rapids in the Michigan State Senate, is the Senate Majority Leader, and is a NewDEAL Leader.

View all posts