GOP Opposing Biden's Climate Bills Now Enjoying Its Benefits

June 21, 2024 June 24, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

- President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are heavily benefiting Republican districts, despite GOP opposition.

- The Inflation Reduction Act has resulted in $206 billion in clean energy technology investments, $161 billion of which went to GOP districts.

- Despite initial opposition, GOP representatives are celebrating the investments and job creation resulting from these acts in their districts.

Republicans Benefit from President Biden’s Clean Energy Investments

Republicans adopting a “vote no and take the dough” stance are benefiting markedly from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These initiatives, predominantly funding clean energy in GOP districts, are the largest federal climate change investment to date.

The IRA, approved in 2022, has contributed $206 billion to clean energy tech manufacturing, even with unanimous Republican resistance and repeated repeal attempts.

The infrastructure law, supporting nationwide infrastructure improvements against climate change, gained minimal Republican support but has become a favorite among them, bringing millions to their districts and creating jobs.

Bloomberg's analysis reveals that $161 billion of the investment package, along with associated jobs have been directed to GOP districts, compared to $42 billion for Democratic districts.

An example is the significant $13.9 billion investment in a Toyota battery plant in North Carolina, expected to create over 5,000 jobs in GOP Rep. Richard Hudson’s district by 2030, despite his opposition to the bill.

Hudson publicized the bill’s benefits for North Carolina on his website post-passage and discussed opportunities with local business leaders.

Similarly, despite opposing the IRA and labelling it a “bad deal” for Georgia, Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk has seen his district receive “almost $7.5 billion of planned investment in solar panels and batteries.” Loudermilk praised ongoing massive electric vehicle battery factory construction in his district, which will create 3,500 jobs.

Biden’s law has resulted in 51 projects exceeding $1 billion in investment, 43 of which are in red districts, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan—top states for IRA funds investment. Arizona and Nevada also feature in the top 15 states for program investment.

The investments provide Democrats in these states with a compelling economic argument and an opportunity to criticize GOP incumbents resisting their district's transformative investments.