The current state of the Union is cause for celebration

For those of us who have dedicated our lives to fighting for bold action to combat climate change and move towards clean energy, today’s State of the Union address (SOTU) will be something for posterity. Tonight, climate activists will watch President Biden speak from our nation’s Capitol, knowing that in his first two years in office, he provided us with the boldest climate investment in our nation’s history through the Inflation Reduction Act, and that more than 100,000 new clean energy jobs have been created in 31 states across the country since the law was signed into law.
Less than six months after the Inflation Reduction Act was passed, the clean energy industries have already posted thousands of high-paying jobs for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians and other support personnel across the country. over 90 new clean energy projects across the country totaling $89.5 billion in new investment, including seven new projects in my home state of Arizona. We know that this clean energy transition will not only transform and recharge our national economy, but will also ease the burden that climate change and fossil fuel pollution place on the health and pockets of Hispanics and other historically underserved communities.
The clean energy economy in western states with high solar potential, such as Arizona, Nevada, and California, will greatly benefit Hispanic workers, as more Hispanics are currently employed in solar power generation than in fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Solar PV jobs alone, a third of which are already filled by Hispanics, are projected to be the third fastest growing jobs in the nation over the next decade, and hourly wages for clean energy jobs are broadly above the national average. country at 8-. 19% and offer more opportunities for low and medium-skilled workers than the national economy.
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the solar industry now has access to $30 billion in tax credits to boost domestic solar panel production and $10 billion in investment tax credits to build new manufacturing capacity for zero-emission solar panel technologies. Starting this year, home consumers looking to cut their energy bills and improve their homes already have access to thousands of dollars to trade in their fossil fuel appliances for rooftop solar panels and more. As a result of these discounts and incentives, roof panels will be installed in homes in Arizona.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides our country with an excellent opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean energy, mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, and provide tangible economic benefits to Hispanic families across the country. To maximize the benefits of this law, we need state and local leaders to inform, educate, and equip their communities with the necessary tools to implement and use the resources provided by the law. A recent analysis predicts that the Inflation Reduction Act will create more than 9 million clean energy and climate jobs over the next decade, but to a large extent, governments must ensure that these benefits reach our communities, especially the historically marginalized communities that are at the forefront. climate change and pollution lines.
Tonight we will be watching a State of the Union address knowing that our country is finally on the right track to achieve the decarbonization goals that scientists tell us we must achieve in the next few decades, and that the vast majority of Latin Americans already agree to clean an energy transition that provides a safe, sustainable, secure and affordable clean energy future and a healthier planet for future generations. Tonight, we can feel justified in our fight as we see bold action against climate change become part of our American history and know that we are just getting started.