Green-Energy Future on a Knife’s Edge
TL/DR –
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provide incentives for clean energy investment in areas reliant on fossil fuel jobs, but are at risk under the Trump administration and Republican-led Congress. The IRA/IIJA funding has already resulted in billions of dollars in investments to create new jobs in these communities and improve health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every $1 invested in pollution reduction yields $30 in economic benefits, and full implementation of the IRA is estimated to avoid more than 32,000 deaths and 3.3 million lost work days due to sickness by 2050.
Coal Miner’s Lung Disease Highlights Need for Clean Energy Investment
Danny Smith, a 39-year-old former coal miner, struggled with the fatal prognosis of progressive massive fibrosis, a severe form of black lung disease, after just 12 years in the industry. His struggle culminated in his untimely death at 46. This highlights the often overlooked health consequences of fossil fuel-based jobs. This reality prompts the question: “Should work be a death sentence?”
Clean Energy Provisions Offer Economic Lifeline
Two recent laws enacted under the Biden administration, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), offer economic support to communities heavily dependent on fossil fuel jobs. The laws foster clean energy investment and healthier living conditions while providing an economic lifeline to people in “energy communities“. With the IRA representing the single largest investment in the green energy future, the current administration and Congress are putting these laws at risk.
IRA and IIJA Present Economic Incentives across Party Lines
These laws appeal across state and party lines due to their economic incentives. “Red” states, those supporting President Trump in 2024, have gained billions in investments. For instance, Texas alone received $12 billion from 2023 to Q3 2024. These funds contribute to local job creation, fostering economic growth without adverse health impacts.
Despite Republican opposition to the IRA, 21 Republican congressmen recently highlighted the importance of IRA funds to their local economies. They argue cuts would dramatically increase utility bills and impede efforts to meet rising power demands.
Environmental and Health Returns on Clean Energy Investment
Job security, like that provided by IRA/IIJA funding, is crucial for health. Proper implementation of IRA could avoid over 3.3 million sickness-related work absences by 2050. Also, for every $1 invested in pollution reduction, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates $30 in economic benefits are gained.
The World Health Organization has declared climate change as the most significant global health threat this century. Proper implementation of the IRA/IIJA could avert more than 32,000 deaths by 2050.
Policy Shifts Threaten Clean Energy Progress
However, the Trump administration’s adherence to the Project 2025 playbook threatens these gains, with $21.7 billion in environmental protection funds already canceled. This underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard these critical clean energy laws.
Imagining a Future with Clean Jobs
Imagine if Smith had jobs in cleaner environments, like installing solar panels, or if his community was powered by renewable energy sources. How many more lives must be lost before fully committing to the healthier path of clean energy?
Call to Action
Medical professionals have a role to play in urging elected leaders to protect these vital laws. It only takes a few moments to take action.
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