Many countries are investing in clean-tech products like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs). The U.S. has long been a tech leader. Tech jobs pay well. In 2010, with a U.S. government loan, Tesla led the way internationally, creating the first successful EV and its associated batteries. President Trump bought a Model S!
Our main economic competitor, China, is catching up. They provided early financing to speed development of solar panels and batteries, supporting their electrical grid. Battery tech improved their EVs. They’ve advanced their clean-tech position with products the rest of the world wants.
China has more solar/wind generation than any other country, providing 26% of their electrical energy. They’re phasing out coal because it costs them more money annually and is the major source of their dirty air.
The U.S. signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law in 2022. It overwhelmingly helps GOP-held districts like ours. Most clean-energy and manufacturing facilities are built in red/purple states—78% of the funding goes there. IRA-clean-energy tax credits help corporations, like Montana Renewables, advance.
The U.S. House just voted to cut the tax credits by one vote. The Senate can correct this.
Please write Sens. Daines and Sheehy now (see https://fpc-go.com/boa). Ask them to protect these tax credits to help the U.S. lead in clean-tech products.
By Michael Flanagan: Missoula, MT
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