3 weeks ago
22
The Inflation Reduction Act has driven $1 trillion into U.S. clean energy, with GOP-led districts in the South and Midwest reaping significant investments, while densely populated Northeastern areas remain largely untouched.
By Niko Kommenda, Shannon Osaka, and John Muyskens report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Republican-majority districts have attracted three times more clean energy investment than Democratic-leaning areas, despite no Republican lawmakers supporting the law.
- Factors like low land prices, fewer regulatory hurdles, and local incentives draw developers to rural Southern and Midwestern states.
- The Northeast, with its dense cities and costly land, has seen minimal investment, especially for technologies like wind power which requires large tracts of land.
Key quote:
“The clean energy investments are not ‘Trump-proof', but it is an indication of how well it is working that we are seeing people step forward and say, ‘These are the benefits in my community.'”
— Joanna Slaney, associate vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
The surge in clean energy investments has reshaped the U.S. industrial landscape, creating clean energy hubs in GOP-led regions while widening the gap between rural and urban areas. Without broader regional investment, the U.S. may struggle to meet ambitious climate goals.
Learn more: Red states reap most benefits from climate law they oppose
