The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aims to boost the resilience, reliability, and affordability of climate-smart agriculture and conservation practices, access to rural opportunities, improved air quality, and a clean energy economy.
How does this affect Iowans?
Rural Agriculture Impacts & Opportunities
- In reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the IRA focuses on implementing and utilizing climate-smart agriculture and conservation practices by offering incentives and technical assistance for Iowa’s 84,900 farms.
- Nationwide biofuel infrastructure is receiving funding in areas such as blending and storage equipment which can help expand consumer access to E15 and E85 fuels not currently available at 4 out of 5 gas stations in Iowa.
Increased Resilience in Communities
- The IRA offers available upgrades for people in affordable housing units that can include flood-proofing, clean energy, electrification, and storm resistance.
- Implementing additional programs to help with prevention of extreme weather effects that will protect and restore land, address long term drought conditions, and strengthen habitats and forests.
Boosting a Clean Energy Economy
- Funding provided for the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program to support energy efficiency projects for more than 41,500 farms and small businesses.
- Strengthening reliable access to rural electric systems by providing rural electric cooperatives with resources to enhance clean energy & energy efficiency projects and improvements, therefore helping Iowa residents save on utility bills.
- Income-based rebates for energy efficient upgrades and home improvements, such as heat pumps, cooling systems, water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves, and ovens.
- More accessible and affordable solar panel and battery storage installations for people and small businesses.
Improved Air Quality
- Communities most impacted by air pollution will be able to benefit from environmental justice block grants, investments in clean transportation, and a Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator that will prioritize emissions-reducing projects.
- Lower pollution and improved air quality could result in 100,000 fewer asthma attacks, a reduction in premature deaths, and a decreased chance of climate impacts from extreme weather in 2030.
Check out the links below for more information on how you can access these opportunities:
Affordable Connectivity Program -This program offers discounts or potential full coverage on internet bills. An estimated 482,000 households are eligible for this program-click on the link above for more information on the program and to see if you qualify.
Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Tax Credit – A tax credit offered to make energy efficiency home improvements. Different home weatherization practices are included in this tax credit, such as home insulation, energy efficient doors and windows, and certain roofing materials. Other equipment that qualifies includes solar, wind, geothermal, and fuel cell technology-including things like electric heat pumps, central AC systems, and other natural gas and propane using appliances. Click on the link above for more information.
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) – Formerly known as the Zero-Emissions Home Act, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act can reduce or cover costs for electrification projects for low- to moderate- income households. The rebate can cover 100% of costs for low income households, and 50% for moderate-income households, with a cap of $14,000. To qualify, eligible households must fall below 150% of the area median income. Click on the link above for more information on benefits of this program.
Home Energy Performance-Based Whole House Rebates (HOMES) – A rebate program that aims to boost residential energy efficiency that will encourage homeowners to implement whole house energy saving retrofits. Rebates are doubled for low- and moderate-income households. Click on the link above for more information on this program.
Residential Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Battery Storage Investment Tax Credit – The Investment Tax Credit covers a percentage of installation costs of residential renewable energy sources, such as solar PV systems, wind turbines, geothermal and battery storage. Click on the link above for a guidebook on the Investment Tax Credit to see if you are eligible.