Wisconsin's Clean Energy Sees Boom From Inflation Reduction Act

Friday, August 18th, 2023 -- 9:12 AM

(Corrinne Hess, Wisconsin Public Radio) When construction began on the Badger Hollow solar farm in 2019, busloads of out-of-state workers were being dropped off in Iowa County to build the massive project.  

But, according to Corrinne Hess with Wisconsin Public Radio, work continues on phase two of Badger Hollow and other solar projects across the state. Solar panels are now being erected by in-state, union labor, said Kent Miller, president of the Wisconsin Laborers District Council.

Miller says this is possible because of the Inflation Reduction Act, signed one year ago. "There is a lot of talk and chatter about Bidenomics and I can tell you, there is a big Bidenomics boom going on in the Badger State," Miller said.

The landmark legislation, signed Aug. 16, 2022, invests in climate, clean energy and regenerative agriculture. The law provides clean energy tax credits for energy efficient commercial buildings, homes and electric vehicles.

Developers and utility companies who hire registered apprentices and incentivize prevailing wages are also given tax credits, which has changed how Wisconsin job sites look, Miller said. At the Paris Solar Farm in Kenosha County, Miller said there are about 150 union workers on the job and 43 people in apprentice programs.

Most of the apprentices are people of color, Miller said. "We’re bringing in folks who have had little experience or knowledge into the construction industry," Miller said. "By the time the project is completed, they could be pretty close to being a journey person." President Joe Biden was at the Ingeteam manufacturing company in Milwaukee Tuesday touting the Inflation Reduction Act.

Biden said since the act was signed, Wisconsin companies have committed to spending more than $3 billion in manufacturing and clean energy. But the bill isn’t universally supported. Every Republican in Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation voted against the Inflation Reduction Act.

And while Derrick Van Orden wasn’t a member of Congress at the time, he tweeted his opposition to the bill. During a press conference before Biden’s visit, Brian Schimming, chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said Wisconsin households are "poorer" as a result of Bidenomics.

Wisconsin Republican lawmakers have introduced a variety of bills that target clean energy. They have said they wanted to stop Wisconsin from following at least seven states, including California, that plan to ban gas-powered vehicles.

States like New York have also sought to ban natural gas stoves and furnaces. The state’s clean energy plan aims to have all electricity consumed within the state to be 100 percent carbon-free by 2050. Currently, Wisconsin’s largest single source of energy is natural gas.

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