August 19, 2023

Dear Friends,

With each passing year, the need for action to combat the climate crisis becomes more palpable. In just the past few weeks, we have experienced the realities of climate change firsthand with record-breaking, blistering heat, frequent severe storms, deadly wildfires, and lingering air pollution from those fires.

While more severe than ever, the negative impacts of this global threat are nothing new. For decades, scientists, researchers, and activists have been raising the alarm. For decades their calls have been left unanswered—that is, until last year.

I went into last Congress knowing that getting a climate-focused reconciliation bill over the finish line would be the single most effective action we could take to address this crisis, all while creating good jobs and spurring economic growth. Over the years, I’ve pushed to secure strong legislation that meets the moment, and last year, the culmination of that work was realized through the transformational Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act, also called IRA, includes $370 billion over the next decade to deploy clean energy and tackle the climate crisis. And this number could be even higher if individuals and businesses take full advantage of all the incentives in the law. In fact, this sweeping legislation is already paying dividends. Earlier this year, I cheered the announcement of a $50 million investment in the GE Vernova facility in Schenectady to assemble key wind turbine components. That investment, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits, will create 200 new, full-time, union positions for our region. This is one example among many of the ways our bill is supporting a more sustainable, clean energy future!

Since the passage of this bill, I’ve worked to raise public awareness of the many incentives and benefits offered in the package, and to encourage all who can to take full advantage of them.

That ongoing work continued this week on Wednesday, August 16—the one year anniversary of the day the IRA was signed into law by President Biden—when I held a town hall to share information about the climate provisions included in IRA and how they benefit you and your families. I was joined by Julie Tighe and the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) in sharing some of these key incentives, rebates, and tax credits that cut costs for consumers and make your homes and communities healthier and more resilient.

Here are some key takeaways we shared on one year of the Inflation Reduction Act:

• In just one year, the IRA has already spurred $242.81 billion in private investments, largely in building clean energy, leading to the creation of more than 140,000 new jobs
• IRA is projected to create more than 9 million new jobs by 2030
• More than $60 billion of IRA’s investment will go towards advancing environmental justice priorities and supporting frontline communities
• Families who take advantage of IRA electrification incentives could save as much as $1,800 each year on their energy bills
• Clean Vehicle Tax Credits could save car-buyers up to $7,500 on the purchase of a new electric vehicle and up to $4,000 on the purchase of a used electric vehicle
• It has been estimated that the IRA will result in a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

I am so grateful to the NYLCVEF for joining me in sharing some of these benefits, and to all those who spent their evening sharing their questions, thoughts, and insights with us.

The resounding message I heard from attendees was that “climate can’t wait.” The Inflation Reduction Act was the result of countless voices asserting and reasserting that fact, and the benefits of this law will be felt for generations to come as we work to implement these policies effectively and equitably. But this legislation is just the start of our response to climate change.

It is on all of us to be conscientious consumers to help contribute to achieving our climate goals. Bolstered by your passion and commitment, I’ll continue looking for any and every opportunity to drive meaningful action that brings about a cleaner, more just, and more equitable future for all.

As always, thank you for reading.

Your friend,

DID YOU KNOW?

My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:

• During this week’s climate town hall, I encouraged attendees to do some follow-up research to learn more about the clean incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act and determine which may be right for them.
• In keeping with that request, I’m sharing a few of the resources available to you to learn more about IRA’s benefits.
• Those tax credits, rebates, and other benefits and resources for New Yorkers can be found on my website HERE.
• Some of those resources include:
  • Eligibility requirements and how to access electric vehicle tax credits
  • Descriptions and qualifying upgrades for home energy rebates
  • Additional resources for homeowners, renters, drivers, and consumers alike!
• NOTE: Due to scheduled tests from our website vendors, the Tonko.house.gov website will be down and inaccessible for all of Saturday August 19th and possibly into Sunday, August 20th. We apologize if this causes any inconvenience and have been promised the website will be back up and running as soon as possible.