The Inflation Reduction Act is a clean energy plan that New York needs 

The investments put forth by the IRA are necessary to stem the tide of climate change, and the crisis could not be more urgent. 

The good news is, New York State has already seen $11.7 billion in public infrastructure and clean energy investments and an additional 4,300 new clean energy jobs across our state. But we need to ensure the state continues getting these investments and that communities overburdened by environmental hazards like Bushwick and Woodside in Brooklyn and Queens reap the benefits. How does this happen? It’s simple: private companies, non-profits, and our city and state governments need to leverage the available tax credits and rebates, of which there are many. 

Individuals must also step up to take advantage of the benefits in the IRA, including tax credits to seal and insulate our homes for services such as rooftop solar and battery storage. Renters and homeowners alike can benefit from many of the rebates, like those to help purchase new appliances, such as highly efficient water heat pumps, induction stoves, air heat pumps. These upgrades will reduce the amount of electricity renters and homeowners use and help lower their energy bills. New Yorkers can refer to this IRA Consumer Benefits Guide to help them get started:  https://nylcvef.org/ira-guide/.  

One year ago, we did something that so many, for so long, thought was impossible. We finally took a major national step forward in the fight against climate change. Every new wind turbine built, every solar panel installed, and every new electric car or truck that rolls off the manufacturing line will power a better future for New York. Now it’s up to us to make sure this is only the beginning.

Rep. Nydia Velazquez represents New York’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Julie Tighe is the President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.