Celebrating IRA Funding at Black Business Hub

Celebrating Climate Funding

On August 14, 2024, Paul Heinen, Policy Director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF), joined 70 celebrants of the 2-year-old Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) at the new Black Business Hub in Madison.  Through the IRA, over $920 Million has been invested in Wisconsin. To begin this needed work, in 2022, President Biden sent the first round of IRA payments to Governor Tony Evers for release to communities around the state. Related to this funding, the Governor’s Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy quicky developed the State of Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan.

Ruben Anthony, President and CEO of the Greater Madison Urban League, welcomed the attendees to the meeting. He shared a number of real-life stories about how the money helped build the Hub office in Madison. This funding has provided a new opportunity for low-income homeowners who can now participate in the renewable energy economy. For the first time, there is more sufficient funding for low-income households to add solar power to their roofs and weatherize their homes, saving potentially thousands of dollars per year.

Forty percent (40%) of this IRA federal funding is earmarked to help disadvantaged households. That means a large percentage of people who could not access this money before can take advantage of clean new energy sources. Building cleaner energy sources, reducing energy demands, and providing resources for households to improve their energy efficiency are among the steps Wisconsin needs to take to turn away from burning coal and other fossil fuels for power. Only then will all Wisconsinites breathe cleaner air.

Connecting to WGF Priorities

WGF’s Climate and Energy Work Group is working in alignment with Governor Evers’ sustainable energy plans. One of our focus areas in 2024 is advancing Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). Embracing NCS recognizes the roles of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands in helping mitigate and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. Along with increased investments in solar and wind energy and weatherization, NCS must be part of a comprehensive strategy for building more sustainable communities.

Learn more:

• You can view a recording of the event on Wisconsin Eye (free account required).
• Read more about the event and the Black Business Hub on WMTV 15 News.

Related posts from WGF:

• Community Climate Resiliency (wigreenfire.org)
• Climate Stories of Wisconsin (wigreenfire.org)
• WGF Commentary: Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives will accelerate Wisconsin’s response to changing climate (wigreenfire.org)

Blog post by Paul Heinen, WGF Policy Director

Edited by Carolyn Pralle, WGF Communications and Outreach Coordinator