Salem, OR – Congress’ and the Biden-Harris Administration’s passage of the climate and energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represent the single largest action in U.S. history to move our nation toward a clean energy future. The IRA contains significant incentives for Oregon households that will make clean cars and trucks more affordable, and help families pay for energy-saving improvements in their homes. It also provides substantial incentives for businesses to invest in cleaner trucks and cleaner production technologies. These initiatives will not only help those living in Oregon reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also will improve air quality and aid communities that have suffered from decades of pollution.
“I’d like to thank President Biden for his leadership, and to Congress for passing the Inflation Reduction Act to help working families,” said Governor Kate Brown. “The Inflation Reduction Act will make once-in-a-generation investments in addressing climate change and a clean energy future.”
“DEQ looks forward to working with its partners to bring the many benefits of these historic investments to everyone living across the state,” said Director Richard Whitman. “We are grateful for the leadership of Oregon’s Congressional delegation in helping pass this groundbreaking legislation.”
The new programs will complement actions the Oregon Legislature has authorized using state resources. For example, the new federal $7,500 tax credit for clean vehicles combined with Oregon’s incentives of up to the same amount, can reduce costs for middle- and lower-income households for a new or leased clean vehicle by as much as $15,000.
In addition to the tax provisions in the IRA, Congress included historic levels of funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These include a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and grant programs to help underserved communities reduce air pollution.
Governor Brown met with EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and other local leaders on August 10 at the Sunrise Cooling Center and Mudbone Grown Farms to discuss climate action and how the Inflation Reduction Act will invest in communities, farmers, and environmental justice.
