August 12, 2024

Two Years In: Celebrating the Historic Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act for Ohio’s Environment

Two years ago, Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act on the House Floor and President Biden signed the historic climate investments into law. Since then, this historic law has created 300,000+ clean energy jobs and helped 3.4 million families save $8.4 billion on clean energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide. 

Here in Ohio, communities and families alike are putting these investments to work to ensure a healthier environment for all who call the Buckeye State home. 

The OEC is proud to share the impact firsthand across the communities of Ohio. Let’s take a trip around the state to look at how federal investments are accelerating Ohio’s transition to a sustainable, clean-energy future:

Developing Ohio’s First Climate Action Plan

Many municipalities across Ohio have already developed climate action plans, outlining the steps their cities will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The State of Ohio has never developed a plan until now. After securing a $3 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, the Ohio EPA submitted its first Priority Resilience Plan which details the major sources of emissions in Ohio and identifies the primary emission reduction measures that the state will focus on in the near-term. The OEC proudly supported the state in developing its plan, joined the plan as a partner for future outreach, and stands ready to support future efforts including the development of a Comprehensive Resiliency Plan in 2025. Learn more here.

Transitioning to Cleaner Energy and a Healthier Environment in Northern Ohio

To tackle the climate crisis and reduce air pollution, the Biden-Harris Administration recently awarded a $129+ million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to Cuyahoga County, along with the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. This grant will support the transition away from a coal-fired power plant, installation of solar panels and battery storage, and restoration of former brownfield sites. This incredible investment further helps address the growing issues of low air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and rising energy prices across the state. Learn more here.

Securing Cleaner Air for Students Across the State

Earlier this year, several Ohio school districts were awarded investments to secure clean energy school buses. These electric buses not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they provide cleaner air for children, specifically limiting harmful pollution connected to asthma. Thanks to another major federal investment, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Youngstown will receive 15 buses, Euclid will receive 10, and Cincinnati will receive 10, alongside many more across the state. 

Increasing Energy Efficiency in Cincinnati 

While celebrating the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and federal climate investments, it is important to note the positive impacts of the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) across the state of Ohio! The awardees of these programs receive funding to directly retrofit buildings, improve energy efficiency, and address climate resilience. 

Thanks to key federal investments, over $12 million was awarded to upgrade affordable housing and community spaces in the Greater Cincinnati region, in addition to millions more across the state! Learn more here.

Expanding Solar Across Midwest Ohio

The impacts of climate federal investments continue to grow in the local communities across Ohio and the Midwest. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, Ohio coalitions received over $312 million in Solar for All grants to create and expand low-income and disadvantaged solar energy programs. 

The grants awarded to the State of Ohio and Growth Opportunity Partners were among the 60 selections that will support energy savings, cleaner air, and opportunities for economic growth for an estimated 900,000 households nationwide. The impacts tangibly support a cleaner, healthier Ohio. 

To learn more about the ways these federal investments are making a difference in the Greater Cleveland area, listen in to OEC Cleveland Advocacy Director Brian Siggers’ conversation with Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Euclid Mayor Kristen Holzheimer, and Growth Opportunity Partners President and CEO Michael Jeans here:

Upgrade Your Climate Action Plans!

Let’s close out with ways YOU can access these resources! The Inflation Reduction Act offers an array of opportunities for climate action on an individual level — from making sure your home is more energy efficient to upgrading your home appliances. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act offers rebates of up to $840 for purchasing an electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven, or tax credits to electric car buyers of up to $7,500 for a new car (or $4,000 for a used one). Learn more about how you can take advantage of these opportunities: homes.rewiringamerica.org/calculator   

The transformative impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act — and other climate investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — are evident across Ohio. As we celebrate these historic investments, we recognize that the journey to a sustainable future is a collective effort. The OEC is proud to support these advancements, knowing each investment brings us closer to a cleaner, healthier Ohio. Together, we can champion climate action and inspire lasting change for generations to come.