US Economy

DOE Offers $5M Prize for Solar Manufacturing Training Creation

TL/DR - U.S. solar manufacturers and training organizations, including community colleges and unions, are set to propose plans for training current and new employees in the solar energy sector. The project, which could involve pre-certification programs, specialized equipment training, or recruitment efforts, is part of a first-of-its-kind…
US Economy

Biden Targets Big Pharma’s Drug Prices in Union Address

TL/DR - During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden announced plans to lower prescription drug prices, including expanding Medicare price negotiations to at least 50 drugs per year and requiring pharmaceutical companies pay rebates to Medicare if their price increases exceed inflation. Drugmakers and other stakeholders, however,…
US Economy

Red Tape Hinders Clean Energy Projects, BU Research Shows

TL/DR - A survey by Boston University’s Initiative on Cities found that 60% of US mayors have seen little or no impact from the Inflation Reduction Act in the first year after its passage, attributing this to the challenging grant application process and the public’s lack of familiarity with the act's details. The act provides close to $370…
US Economy

Biden Omits Landmark Climate Law, Dems Unmoved

TL/DR - President Joe Biden did not mention the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in his State of the Union speech, instead focusing on his administration's investment in green initiatives and job creation. Biden spoke about his efforts to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 and referred to the 2022 climate package that invested $369 billion in…