The IRA has been a boon to environmental causes but there’s still a lot of work to be done. The team is looking at ways to publicize opportunities, such as the $14,000 available to low-income households and the rebates and credits available to middle-income households.The team is taking part in Open Streets events and neighborhood association meetings to publicize the IRA. This will be an important part of our work in the coming months.
The team will continue to initiate and work on Sierra Club initiatives and urges all members to do so as well. An example is legislation regarding hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used primarily as refrigerants. HFCs are a major contributor to climate change with an impact 3,770 times greater than Co2 emissions. The team is currently working with the chapter’s legislative specialist to determine possible legislation to limit use of HFCs.
Some good news: Minneapolis has passed a Climate and Equity Plan that is far-reaching and ambitious. The key now is funding the program through a franchise fee on utilities.