The swing states in the upcoming US election are receiving nearly half of the $150 billion clean energy investment from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), according to a new analysis. This landmark climate bill is creating over 50,000 new manufacturing jobs in seven key states: Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. These states, which are crucial battlegrounds, are seeing a surge in investments in electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy components.
However, despite the job growth and economic benefits, there is little evidence that the IRA is boosting Democratic support in these states. Polls show that many voters are unaware of the IRA’s impacts. Only 40% of voters know about the act, and even fewer believe it will benefit them directly. Even in Democratic strongholds, many residents like Nadine Luci from Pennsylvania have heard little about the bill and its potential to drive local economic growth.
Experts are pointing to a communication gap in promoting the IRA. Anthony Leiserowitz, a public climate opinion expert from Yale University, noted that Democrats have struggled to sell the benefits of the bill to voters. Leiserowitz highlighted that Republican figures like Donald Trump are far better at publicizing their policies, while Democrats have missed opportunities to connect with the public on this issue.
The IRA, dubbed by President Biden as the “most significant climate law in history,” aims to reduce US emissions by 40% by 2030, but it has faced criticism for its unclear name and complex tax incentives. Gina McCarthy, Biden’s former climate advisor, said that while the IRA has driven a green revolution in the US, it has not yet been communicated effectively to the public.
Many local residents in swing states, like those in Weirton, West Virginia, are still waiting to see the promised economic benefits. Retiree Dave and pub owner Carol Hrabovsky remain skeptical, with many in Weirton struggling with high costs and a lack of jobs. The IRA’s benefits may take time to materialize, but it has already helped over 3 million American families upgrade their homes with solar panels, heat pumps, and better insulation.
The act has the potential to become a key factor in the upcoming election, especially among young voters, people of color, and suburban women who prioritize climate change. These groups could sway the election in favor of Kamala Harris, but only if the Democrats can successfully communicate the IRA’s benefits and connect the dots for voters. With climate change a central issue, there’s still a chance for the IRA to make a difference in the election.