It has been over two years since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—the largest investment in combating climate change ever passed by Congress—became law. Sometimes it’s not immediately obvious how legislation impacts day-to-day life, but when it comes to the IRA, it’s glaringly apparent. This unprecedented law allows for a whopping $369 billion investment in cutting climate pollution. It’s remarkable how many major new clean energy and clean vehicle projects have been announced across the country since the IRA passed, especially the amount of jobs these projects have created. According to “Clean Economy Works: Inflation Reduction Act Two-Year Analysis,” a report by the business group Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), if the projects set in motion by August 2024 are completed, they will create 109,278 new jobs and bring in $126 billion in private investments. The amount of pollution cut by these projects is equally monumental—a true opportunity to heal our planet and protect the future for our children.
Tell Congress: Hold the Line on Progress to Cut Climate Pollution
More than 90% of all projects announced are in the manufacturing sector. These include expanded electric vehicle and battery plants, clean vehicle manufacturing projects, expansion of solar panel equipment manufacturing, renewable energy operator projects (wind and solar), and more.
Our field organizers across the country know exactly what these projects mean to their families and communities. Below they reflect on the IRA’s considerable achievements. No matter what the future brings, Moms Clean Air Force will continue to fight for policies that cut pollution, create jobs, protect children’s health, and bring stability to our families.
Arizona
“As a mom and an advocate with Moms Clean Air Force, I’ve seen firsthand how these investments are addressing long-standing environmental health disparities, particularly in communities of color and low-income areas that bear the brunt of pollution. For instance, clean energy initiatives funded by the IRA have brought job opportunities to regions in Arizona where they’re sorely needed, helping families achieve economic stability while reducing harmful emissions.
“These projects represent hope for my kids and all children in Arizona, ensuring they can grow up with cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer climate. The IRA is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritize people and our future generations.”
Ylenia Aguilar, Southwest Field Organizer
Colorado
“The investments that Colorado has received from the IRA are creating hundreds of clean energy jobs, which is great news, but more importantly, it is these investments in wind, solar, and battery storage that are helping accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, which subsequently decreases our nation’s dependence on oil and gas fracking. And that is good news for communities like mine that have been subjected to residential fracking and the pollution that impacts our health and has contributed to poor air quality along Colorado’s Front Range for far too long.”
Laurie Anderson, Colorado Field Organizer
Florida
“Florida ranks third in the nation for solar generation. The IRA has helped Floridians save hundreds of thousands of dollars by making improvements to their homes and moving toward more clean energy and sustainable practices. We look forward to Florida’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program and Florida’s Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program, which will be rolled out in 2025 under the IRA and will assist low- and moderate-income households to purchase high-efficiency equipment and provide discounts for energy-efficient upgrades. We are thankful and proud to be working toward encompassing what it means to be ‘the Sunshine State’ by harnessing our abundant solar power, lessening reliance on polluting fuels, and improving our air quality!”
Lorna Perez, Florida Field Organizer
Nevada
“As a mother raising my family in Nevada, the Inflation Reduction Act holds profound significance for me, my community, and our future. Living in a state where climate change is a daily reality—marked by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and worsening air quality—it’s clear that the IRA is a crucial step toward resilience and sustainability.
“Thanks to the IRA, Nevada is seeing transformative investments, bringing in $6.6 billion and creating 5,250 jobs through clean energy projects like battery recycling and solar programs. These initiatives mean cleaner air for my asthmatic child, healthier communities, and a stronger future for families across the state. The IRA is more than policy—it’s a lifeline for Nevada families like mine.”
Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer
North Carolina
“The Inflation Reduction Act has been pivotal for North Carolina families and workers. Over the last few years, IRA funding has allowed for expansion of many industries directly related to clean energy: EV plants as well as battery and EV charger manufacturers have received funds to expand and build facilities. These awards will not only create hundreds of clean energy jobs across the state but will also lead to more and more zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles on the nation’s roads in the future, allowing our children to breathe clean air for years to come and reduce the symptoms for asthma. I will be forever grateful for the IRA and how it has already been exceptional for our community.”
Chelsea Lyons, North Carolina Field Organizer
Ohio
“One of the most exciting grants awarded to Ohio is the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant of $129 million to deploy solar panels on brownfield sites and landfills around Cuyahoga County and the city of Painesville. This was a cooperative application between county and local officials with support from members of Ohio’s congressional delegation—of both political parties.
“The most significant development of solar will be on the site of the former Diamond Shamrock chemical plant in Painesville. It will allow for the replacement of a coal-fired power plant with a 35 MW solar-powered system and 10 MW battery backup. There will also be funding for public trails and recreation on the site, converting industrial land into natural habitat for wildlife through the West Creek Conservancy.
“This project has a special personal meaning for me, as my father spent his entire career working for Diamond Shamrock. Now I get to witness the transformation of a place that produced such harmful chemicals over the years into a truly precedent-setting clean energy development site and natural area for all to enjoy. My father passed away in 2015, but I know he would be excited and proud to see this change.”
Tracy Sabetta, Ohio Field Organizer
Pennsylvania
“Moms in Pennsylvania are grateful for the Inflation Reduction Act as it has supercharged efforts to decrease industrial pollution in neighboring residential communities through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, which in Pennsylvania will center community benefits as a key factor in funding awards and creating cleaner air for families in these communities. Additionally, Pennsylvania nonprofit groups were awarded fenceline air monitoring funds to create real-time pollution monitoring and accountability. Real-time data allows families living near industrial sites to react immediately to pollution events and creates transparency around real pollution information and exposure.”
Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania Field Organizer
Wisconsin
“I am working in Wisconsin to end environmental injustices, so to receive critical IRA funding to address this issue makes me incredibly grateful! Wisconsin’s Tribal nations, including the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Menominee Tribe, which have been hit hard by the impacts of climate change, are receiving valuable help as IRA includes, for the first time, dedicated funding to help Tribes decarbonize their economies and adapt to a changing climate: $150 million for Tribal home electrification, $75 million for loans to Tribes for energy development, and a tenfold increase, from $2 billion to $20 billion, in loan guarantees for Tribal energy development.”
Jayne Black, Wisconsin Field Organizer
Tell Congress: Hold the Line on Progress to Cut Climate Pollution