L-R: Commissioner Aaron “Adot” Whitely; Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II; Christian Brock; and Nicole Lee
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides over $369 billion in tax breaks, incentives, grants, and loan guarantees that will help mitigate the climate crisis which is devastating communities daily with weather extremes and bad air quality. The southeast is still recovering from the impact from the veracity of Hurricane Helene that was unleashed. Too many lost their livelihoods and too many families lost a loved one. Although it had become a tropical storm when it hit Georgia, the Savannah area ended up in the path of strong Atlantic winds moving onshore unimpeded, resulting in destruction. That’s why measures the city is taking with 100% Savannah along with federal funding are key for the area’s future.
During a press conference at City Hall, Mayor Van R. Johnson II joined local leaders to showcase the city’s leadership in clean energy, sustainability, and climate action. Because of Mayor Van R. Johnson II’s stewardship Sa- vannah is becoming the epicenter of climate resilience in the south. Savannah’s climate plan and equitable climate goals are being implemented with the help of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants. As the city’s climate goals are being realized, Justice40 areas communities are being uplifted and environmental justice is taking root.
Please click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIhVyy-PnKU for the YouTube recording:
“We will achieve equitable clean energy for all,” said Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “We are grateful to our federal and coalition partners for investing in our community centered vision. Solar for All, retrofitting buildings, and transitioning to electric vehicles will improve economic growth, save taxpayers money, reduce carbon pollution, and improve the city’s air quality and public health. Additionally, our climate resiliency plan will give our residents confidence in the future. .” Savannah is known nationally for its climate action work, and as such is a model for other cities. Yet no city can achieve the infrastructure changes needed on its own. This is where the IRA and BIL are key components to a sustainable future for all. With federal funding under President Biden’s Justice40 initiative the work of helping to clean up toxic pollution in the air, water and land that affects environmental justice and Justice40 communities disproportionately the most is underway.
“Savannah is a leader in advancing clean energy deployment, and implementing climate resilience plans. With solar power, and heat pumps that also cool, and electric stoves homeowners and businesses are seeing monthly utility costs go down while their quality of life goes up. The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus on retrofitting buildings, especially in Justice40 areas has jump-started this critical work,” said Christian Brock, CEO of Elected Officials to Protect America, Air Force Veteran.
The IRA offers opportunities that will help accelerate 100% Savannah initiated in March 2020, which aims to have all electricity consumed in the city provided by clean, safe and renewable sources by 2035.
The city has already installed rooftop solar at 19 city facilities and are poised to become the largest municipal power producer (by megawatt hours) in Georgia.
“Savannah has become a model for an equitable transition to clean energy. We’re fortunate that federal funds have been allocated for us to help achieve our climate goals. Now, together with Chatham County, we’re investing $100 million to improve our drainage systems, including by widening canals, upgrading stormwater pumps and engineering dynamic solutions such as deep tunnel boring technologies 100 feet below ground to better conduct stormwater into the Casey Canal. With the Inflation Reduction Act, we can rely on solar for more facilities throughout the city. It also provides workforce training and consumers are seeing energy savings,” said Alderman Nick Palumbo, District 4, Savannah.
The law provides grants and incentives for clean energy to local governments and nonprofits, which haven’t been able to take advantage of previous programs that offered only tax credits.
Importantly, the IRA is allocating 40 percent of its investments for Justice40 communities — improving environmental justice —bringing hope into communities historically neglected that are impacted by fossil fuel pollution and extreme weather the most.
“100% Savannah aims to transition to clean, renewable energy by 2035 for electricity and 2050 for all other energy sources. The overall sustainability plan dramatically improves community health by cleaning the air and water of pollutants, and strengthening our climate resiliency,” said City Manager Joseph A. Melder, Savannah.
Along with other cities, Savannah is a member of The Georgia BRIGHT Communities Coalition, which this spring was awarded a $156 million Inflation Reduction Act grant through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s Solar for All program. The Coalition’s grant will support investments in solar energy across the state for five years.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is a climate justice law which was enacted in the nick of time. We don’t need a hurricane to remind the residents of our County that extreme weather events are a clear and present danger. Roads and businesses are closed on a regular basis, causing disruption and havoc to lives and livelihoods,” said Commissioner Aaron “Adot” Whitely, District 6, Chatham County Board.
“Our clients have seen substantial savings on their energy bills thanks to solar installations through the Georgia Bright Program. With the recent utility rate increase, these savings are even more significant. Many of our customers are also taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act rebates to further reduce their energy cost through energy efficient home improvements,” said Nicole Lee of Be Smart Home Solutions.
Georgia is home to 1.1 million small businesses, representing 99.6 percent of all businesses in the state. The Inflation Reduction Act helps them save money. Commercial building owners can receive a tax credit up to $5 per square foot to support energy efficiency improvements that deliver lower utility bills.
“Mayor Van R. Johnson II is making his city a model of climate resiliency for the southeast with 100% Savannah and the assistance of the Inflation Reduction Act as it reduces our carbon footprint, creates jobs, lifts up Justice40 communities, and helps public health and energy security,” said Alex Cornell du Houx, former Maine State Representative, Marine combat veteran, President of the Elected Officials to Protect America, and Co-Founder.
According to American Clean Power, 113 manufacturing facilities or expansions have been announced since August 2022, totaling $421 billion of investment in domestic, utility-scale clean energy production, as of spring this year.
Elected Officials to Protect America is a network of current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting the planet and people. EOPA is committed to solving the climate crisis, ensuring environmental justice, and protecting our lands, waters, and democracy.
Source: https://www.savannahtribune.com/articles/climate-mayor-van-johnson-ii-highlights-federal-climate-investments-to-help-with-clean-energy-expansion-climate-storms-in-savannah/
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