Clock is ticking to Trump-proof federal IRA spending

CLEAN ENERGY: Federal agencies have announced about $98 billion in tentative awards under the Inflation Reduction Act, but it’s unclear how much of that has been formally committed — an important step for preventing President-elect Trump from clawing back the money. (Politico)

ALSO:

• An analysis finds that repealing President Biden’s major climate policies could cost the U.S. economy $80 billion in investment and up to $50 billion in lost exports. (The Guardian)
• Clean energy manufacturers hope the potential economic damage and political risks from repealing the Inflation Reduction Act are enough to convince Republicans to preserve the law. (Canary Media)

CLIMATE:

• U.S. representatives at the annual COP29 climate conference are expected to announce a stronger commitment to cutting emissions, despite Trump’s vow to withdraw from the deal when he takes office. (E&E News, subscription)
• Trump’s pick to head the Department of Homeland Security, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, has been skeptical of climate change and declined federal climate funding for home energy efficiency rebates. (E&E News)

EMISSIONS:

• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul intends to revive plans for congestion pricing in parts of New York City, dropping the toll to $9 from $15, before the new Trump administration can squash the plan. (New York Times)
• A federal judge rejects business groups’ attempt to block enforcement of California’s greenhouse gas emissions disclosure law, saying the plaintiffs failed to prove the rules violate free speech. (Utility Dive)

INDUSTRY: A laser-based drying technology could help cut emissions from Maine’s paper and pulp manufacturing industry. (Energy News Network)

HEAT PUMPS: Major manufacturers are beginning to commercially produce residential heat pumps that can efficiently operate at 5 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the U.S. Department of Energy announces. (Washington Post)

RENEWABLES:

• A growing number of Mississippi farmers are leasing land for wind and solar projects as they look for new revenue sources. (Mississippi Today)
• As New York falls behind on its climate goals, the state needs to ramp up its procurement of renewable energy, advocates say. (Canary Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A study ranks Louisiana second in the nation for its 55% growth in electric vehicle charger installation, but advocates say the number is misleading because the state began with so few chargers. (Floodlight)

WIND:

• Advocates worry the incoming Trump administration could stifle proposed offshore wind development along California’s coast by slashing federal incentives and other funding. (CalMatters)
• The onshore wind industry is struggling to attract investors despite the Inflation Reduction Act, with 2024 on track to be a historically low year, an analyst says. (Reuters)
• The Danish wind turbine company Vestas is America’s largest clean energy employer, according to an analysis of U.S. job listings. (Fast Company)

COMMENTARY: A recent study shows how heat pump water heaters can save money on energy and also provide a storage resource for the grid. (CalNEXT, sponsored)