Unveiling the Hidden Potential: Understanding the Impact of IRA Subsidies on Americans

A recent poll conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland revealed that 71% of Americans know little or nothing about the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its climate-related incentives, including federal EV tax credits and tax credits for rooftop solar. Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund, attributes this lack of awareness to the broad scope of the IRA and the focus on individual impacts rather than the overall benefits. While the Biden administration has been proactive in promoting the benefits of the IRA, there are still challenges in disseminating information about the hundreds of provisions within the law. As funds are being distributed at the state level, there is variation in engagement and interest among states and localities, with some lacking the capacity to fully take advantage of the benefits. However, bipartisan support for the IRA is expected to grow, leading to increased adoption of the policies it has put into place.