1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,960 We all check the forecast before we head out the door, right? 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:04,920 But how often do we think about the policies 3 00:00:04,920 --> 00:00:07,200 shaping our climate future? 4 00:00:07,200 --> 00:00:09,120 Well, today on Meteorology Matters, 5 00:00:09,120 --> 00:00:11,600 we're diving into a real political storm 6 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:15,080 brewing around the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRA, 7 00:00:15,080 --> 00:00:17,160 the one that was supposed to tackle climate change 8 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:20,800 with these huge investments in clean energy. 9 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:22,800 But with President Trump back in office, 10 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:24,280 things have taken a sharp turn. 11 00:00:24,280 --> 00:00:26,400 Yeah, it's really something how a shift 12 00:00:26,400 --> 00:00:29,040 in the political landscape can have an immediate impact 13 00:00:29,040 --> 00:00:31,080 on initiatives already underway. 14 00:00:31,080 --> 00:00:33,080 President Trump's day one executive order 15 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:36,320 basically put a screeching halt to those IRA funds. 16 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:38,040 Wow, that's a plot twist. 17 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:39,200 It gets even more interesting, 18 00:00:39,200 --> 00:00:42,760 this isn't just affecting those environmental programs. 19 00:00:42,760 --> 00:00:45,200 Trump's administration has also frozen some initiatives 20 00:00:45,200 --> 00:00:46,840 that got their start with the bipartisan 21 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:49,240 infrastructure law back in 2021. 22 00:00:49,240 --> 00:00:50,720 Remember that plan to build out those 23 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:52,200 electric vehicle charging stations 24 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:53,480 along highways nationwide? 25 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:55,080 That's at a roadblock too. 26 00:00:55,080 --> 00:00:57,280 States and organizations that were really counting 27 00:00:57,280 --> 00:00:59,200 on this funding are in total confusion. 28 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:00,680 Yeah, it's a real head scratcher, 29 00:01:00,680 --> 00:01:04,040 a clash between legal commitments and political agendas. 30 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:05,800 We're talking billions of dollars in grants 31 00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:07,320 that were already awarded, 32 00:01:07,320 --> 00:01:09,320 organizations moving forward with plans, 33 00:01:09,320 --> 00:01:11,200 hiring staff, launching projects, 34 00:01:11,200 --> 00:01:13,080 all based on those promised funds. 35 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:13,920 So let's break it down, 36 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:15,920 how much money are we actually talking about here? 37 00:01:15,920 --> 00:01:18,920 Well, our analysis shows that out of the $50 billion 38 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:20,400 in IRA grants awarded, 39 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:23,320 only 18 billion have actually been paid out. 40 00:01:23,320 --> 00:01:26,480 That leaves a pretty significant $32 billion 41 00:01:26,480 --> 00:01:28,440 in a very precarious position, 42 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:31,920 susceptible to being frozen or potentially clawed back. 43 00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:34,720 And the largest portion of that unspent money, 44 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:37,000 about $20.5 billion, 45 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:39,280 is sitting with the Environmental Protection Agency. 46 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:40,680 Wow, that's a lot of money. 47 00:01:40,680 --> 00:01:42,640 And it's not just numbers on a balance sheet, right? 48 00:01:42,640 --> 00:01:45,200 We're talking about real-world projects, actual jobs, 49 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:47,680 and communities now facing the consequences 50 00:01:47,680 --> 00:01:49,320 of this political maneuvering. 51 00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:51,680 We're gonna be looking into some pretty compelling stories. 52 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:54,040 Nonprofits forced to lay off employees, 53 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:56,040 pollution reduction efforts stalled, 54 00:01:56,040 --> 00:01:58,640 and even programs for replacing lead pipes 55 00:01:58,640 --> 00:02:00,320 facing an uncertain future. 56 00:02:00,320 --> 00:02:01,200 Exactly. 57 00:02:01,200 --> 00:02:02,520 It's also important to consider 58 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:05,640 a bit of a paradoxical situation that has emerged here, 59 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:08,640 despite the Republican Party's really vocal criticism 60 00:02:08,640 --> 00:02:09,760 of the IRA, you know, 61 00:02:09,760 --> 00:02:12,040 even calling it a green new scam. 62 00:02:12,040 --> 00:02:14,800 The evidence paints a bit of a different picture. 63 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:17,880 Surprisingly, a whopping 80% of private investments 64 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:20,040 triggered by the IRA have actually landed 65 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:22,000 in Republican congressional districts, 66 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:24,440 sparking a pretty substantial manufacturing surge 67 00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:25,280 in those areas. 68 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:26,120 Yeah, that's a good one. 69 00:02:26,120 --> 00:02:28,200 So we have Republican lawmakers in a bit of a pickle here. 70 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:30,240 They're aligned with Trump's agenda, 71 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:32,560 but they're also witnessing job creation 72 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:35,160 and economic benefits in their own districts, 73 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:36,960 thanks to this very law they oppose. 74 00:02:36,960 --> 00:02:38,720 Yeah, it's a tangled web. 75 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:40,720 And it's playing out in very real ways. 76 00:02:40,720 --> 00:02:42,840 Let's dive into some specific examples 77 00:02:42,840 --> 00:02:45,000 to really see how this funding freeze 78 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:46,400 is impacting communities. 79 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:49,160 Okay, let's start with Thrive, New Orleans. 80 00:02:49,160 --> 00:02:51,920 This nonprofit was doing some really incredible work, 81 00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:53,920 educating communities, many of them low income 82 00:02:53,920 --> 00:02:56,120 minority neighborhoods about climate change, 83 00:02:56,120 --> 00:02:58,600 how to prepare for extreme heat and flooding. 84 00:02:58,600 --> 00:03:02,080 He had a $500,000 grant, made plans, hired staff, 85 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:04,640 and then boom, the rug was pulled out from under them. 86 00:03:04,640 --> 00:03:05,800 It's a tough blow. 87 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:07,720 The executive director of Thrive, New Orleans 88 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:10,680 was quoted saying, we can't even meet payroll. 89 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:13,480 We're facing the possibility of shutting down our programs, 90 00:03:13,480 --> 00:03:15,800 which means having much less of an impact. 91 00:03:15,800 --> 00:03:19,400 It's directly hurting the very people we promised to serve. 92 00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:21,560 They've already had to let go of some staff, 93 00:03:21,560 --> 00:03:25,000 and the future of the organization is hanging in the balance. 94 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:26,680 It's a harsh reality check. 95 00:03:26,680 --> 00:03:28,600 Reminds us that these policy decisions 96 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:31,440 have a very real impact on people's lives. 97 00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:34,080 And it's not just nonprofits feeling the pressure. 98 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:36,320 The South Coast Air Quality Management District, 99 00:03:36,320 --> 00:03:39,040 they had ambitious plans to tackle air pollution 100 00:03:39,040 --> 00:03:41,360 coming from all that truck traffic at ports, 101 00:03:41,360 --> 00:03:43,080 often called diesel death zones 102 00:03:43,080 --> 00:03:46,040 because of the health risks to surrounding communities. 103 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:48,480 They were awarded a pretty substantial grant, 104 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:51,520 $500 million, to replace diesel-powered trucks 105 00:03:51,520 --> 00:03:54,160 with electric ones, and install charging stations. 106 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:57,280 This project was designed not only to reduce greenhouse gases, 107 00:03:57,280 --> 00:03:58,960 but also to improve public health. 108 00:03:58,960 --> 00:03:59,760 Right. 109 00:03:59,760 --> 00:04:02,320 It was a major step towards tackling one of the nation's 110 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:04,760 most pressing environmental challenges, 111 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:06,880 and now it's in a holding pattern. 112 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:08,880 That grant has basically disappeared 113 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:10,800 from the federal payment system, 114 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:12,480 leaving officials deeply concerned 115 00:04:12,480 --> 00:04:14,400 about potential repercussions, 116 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:15,960 not just for manufacturing jobs, 117 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:18,680 but also for the health of communities near those ports. 118 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:20,880 And then we have the story of Democracy Green 119 00:04:20,880 --> 00:04:22,760 in North Carolina. 120 00:04:22,760 --> 00:04:25,480 A mother-daughter team working tirelessly 121 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:28,520 to bring clean water access to low-income communities, 122 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:31,920 they received a $20 million grant to replace lead pipes. 123 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:34,680 Absolutely essential project to safeguard the health and well-being 124 00:04:34,680 --> 00:04:36,680 of those vulnerable populations. 125 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:38,480 Now they're in this nail-biting wait 126 00:04:38,480 --> 00:04:40,840 to see if their funding will actually come through, 127 00:04:40,840 --> 00:04:42,480 especially stressful because their program 128 00:04:42,480 --> 00:04:43,960 is set to launch in April. 129 00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:46,520 Without that funding, their efforts will be severely hampered. 130 00:04:46,520 --> 00:04:48,160 Yeah, the potential health hazards 131 00:04:48,160 --> 00:04:50,400 tied to contaminated water, 132 00:04:50,400 --> 00:04:53,280 especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions, 133 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:55,480 those undergoing dialysis, for example, 134 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:57,160 it's deeply worrying. 135 00:04:57,160 --> 00:05:00,400 LaMessia Whittington, the daughter, put it quite powerfully. 136 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:02,320 She said, it would be a grave injustice 137 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:04,800 if our communities are denied the support. 138 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:07,240 We are dealing with third-world infrastructure here. 139 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,720 This isn't a matter of, oh, it would be nice if it happened. 140 00:05:09,720 --> 00:05:10,600 This is critical. 141 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:12,320 People's lives depend on it. 142 00:05:12,320 --> 00:05:14,920 We have dialysis patients who are afraid to even take a bath 143 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:16,680 because the water is so contaminated. 144 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:17,560 Yeah. 145 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:19,760 It's a powerful reminder that this goes beyond 146 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:21,000 politics and budgets. 147 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:22,400 We're talking about people's health 148 00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:25,000 and their fundamental right to clean water. 149 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:26,960 Now, amidst all this turmoil, 150 00:05:26,960 --> 00:05:28,880 there have been some legal challenges, haven't there? 151 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:29,720 Absolutely. 152 00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:32,360 There's been pushback against Trump's executive order. 153 00:05:32,360 --> 00:05:34,240 Federal judge has ruled that he must release 154 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:35,440 at least some of the funds. 155 00:05:35,440 --> 00:05:38,200 However, this ruling doesn't apply to all programs. 156 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:40,400 And the legal battle is far from over. 157 00:05:40,400 --> 00:05:42,520 Both the EPA and the Department of Energy 158 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:45,720 still retain the ability to implement the executive order, 159 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:47,320 which creates ongoing uncertainty 160 00:05:47,320 --> 00:05:49,240 for those who have been awarded grants. 161 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:51,240 So it's a bit of a mixed bag. 162 00:05:51,240 --> 00:05:52,640 Some funds are being released, 163 00:05:52,640 --> 00:05:55,040 but many others are still frozen, 164 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:56,840 leaving organizations and communities 165 00:05:56,840 --> 00:05:58,200 kind of hanging in limbo. 166 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:02,360 It's a multifaceted situation with a lot of moving parts. 167 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:04,200 And to add another layer of complexity, 168 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:06,360 there's been a rather unexpected turn of events 169 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:07,560 involving the EPA. 170 00:06:07,560 --> 00:06:09,240 Okay, this is where it gets interesting. 171 00:06:09,240 --> 00:06:14,120 The EPA has actually unfrozened some of the delayed funds, 172 00:06:14,120 --> 00:06:15,080 but not all of them. 173 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:15,920 Exactly. 174 00:06:15,920 --> 00:06:18,360 And this partial unfreezing has introduced 175 00:06:18,360 --> 00:06:20,000 its own set of obstacles. 176 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:21,600 For example, the EPA announced 177 00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:23,360 that they were resuming the flow of grants 178 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:25,960 for certain programs under the infrastructure law, 179 00:06:25,960 --> 00:06:28,480 including the Solar for All program, 180 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:30,560 which focuses on installing solar panels 181 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:31,960 in low income communities. 182 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:33,120 Okay, that sounds positive. 183 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:33,960 Is there a catch? 184 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:35,240 You bet there is. 185 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:36,800 While some funds are moving again, 186 00:06:36,800 --> 00:06:39,320 the situation remains incredibly volatile. 187 00:06:39,320 --> 00:06:41,880 Grant recipients like the Washington Department of Commerce 188 00:06:41,880 --> 00:06:43,640 are finding that their access to funds 189 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:45,800 is fluctuating almost daily, 190 00:06:45,800 --> 00:06:48,840 making it really tough to plan and move forward effectively. 191 00:06:48,840 --> 00:06:50,360 Yeah, I can imagine the frustration. 192 00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:52,200 You think you're finally back on track, 193 00:06:52,200 --> 00:06:53,560 and then suddenly you're facing 194 00:06:53,560 --> 00:06:55,360 yet another potential obstacle. 195 00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:56,760 It's completely understandable 196 00:06:56,760 --> 00:06:58,480 that people are feeling anxious 197 00:06:58,480 --> 00:06:59,680 and uncertain about the future. 198 00:06:59,680 --> 00:07:00,520 Absolutely. 199 00:07:00,520 --> 00:07:03,120 And the unpredictability doesn't stop there. 200 00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:05,960 Another unexpected consequence of this executive order 201 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:07,720 was the initial blockage of funds 202 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:11,960 from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP. 203 00:07:11,960 --> 00:07:13,480 Wait, LIHEAP? 204 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:15,120 The program that helps millions 205 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:16,600 of vulnerable households, 206 00:07:16,600 --> 00:07:19,080 especially during those extreme weather events, 207 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:21,200 pay their heating and cooling bills. 208 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:24,160 That's a vital lifeline for so many families, 209 00:07:24,160 --> 00:07:26,280 particularly in colder states like Minnesota. 210 00:07:26,280 --> 00:07:27,280 Yeah, exactly. 211 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:28,480 And while the technical issues 212 00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:30,960 that initially blocked those funds have been resolved, 213 00:07:30,960 --> 00:07:33,440 this incident really highlights just how far reaching 214 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:35,560 the impacts of this executive order can be. 215 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:37,520 It's not just about climate initiatives. 216 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:38,880 It's about essential programs 217 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:41,000 that help people meet their basic needs. 218 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:43,080 It really does bring us to this broader question 219 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:46,200 about the future of clean energy investment in America. 220 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:48,320 With all this political back and forth, 221 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:51,160 what kind of message does this send to investors 222 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:52,680 and companies who are considering 223 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:54,200 getting involved in this sector? 224 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:56,920 Well, without a doubt, it creates a chilling effect. 225 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:59,960 The uncertainty, the potential for policy reversals 226 00:07:59,960 --> 00:08:02,160 make it a much riskier proposition 227 00:08:02,160 --> 00:08:04,720 for companies to invest in new projects, 228 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:07,080 especially ones that require that long-term planning 229 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:09,560 and depend on government support. 230 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:11,920 And we've already seen evidence of this happening. 231 00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:12,760 Absolutely. 232 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:15,520 For instance, the clean technology manufacturing sector, 233 00:08:15,520 --> 00:08:17,520 which was really experiencing a surge 234 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:19,520 thanks to those IRA incentives, 235 00:08:19,520 --> 00:08:20,960 is now staring down the barrel 236 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:23,560 of potential delays and cancellations. 237 00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:27,160 Research firm Bloomberg NEF predicts that more than half 238 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:29,640 of the clean technology factories slated to come online 239 00:08:29,640 --> 00:08:31,600 in 2025 could be impacted. 240 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:33,360 And it's not just those land-based projects 241 00:08:33,360 --> 00:08:34,600 fueling the squeeze. 242 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:37,360 Offshore wind companies who are making significant investments 243 00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:39,400 in those multi-billion dollar projects 244 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:41,240 are now scaling back their plans 245 00:08:41,240 --> 00:08:44,760 following Trump's halt on ocean turbine approvals. 246 00:08:44,760 --> 00:08:45,600 Right. 247 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:46,760 And that's particularly impactful 248 00:08:46,760 --> 00:08:50,800 because those projects not only generate clean energy, 249 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:53,360 but they also support a vast supply chain. 250 00:08:53,360 --> 00:08:55,720 That stretches far beyond just the coastal states 251 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:57,040 where the turbines are located. 252 00:08:57,040 --> 00:08:59,360 So we're talking about a ripple effect here. 253 00:08:59,360 --> 00:09:01,840 That has the potential to impact jobs 254 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:04,720 and economic growth across the country, 255 00:09:04,720 --> 00:09:06,840 not just in those states typically associated 256 00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:08,080 with clean energy initiatives. 257 00:09:08,080 --> 00:09:08,960 Precisely. 258 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:11,480 This isn't a simple blue state versus red state issue. 259 00:09:11,480 --> 00:09:15,320 It's a national issue with the potential to impact us all. 260 00:09:15,320 --> 00:09:17,280 You know, digging deeper into all this, 261 00:09:17,280 --> 00:09:20,200 the ripple effects of President Trump's decision 262 00:09:20,200 --> 00:09:22,600 to freeze that funding from the IRA, 263 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:25,000 it's becoming clear this isn't just about money. 264 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:27,320 It's this tug of war over the direction 265 00:09:27,320 --> 00:09:29,160 of America's energy future. 266 00:09:29,160 --> 00:09:31,800 And for a lot of folks, it feels like a step backwards. 267 00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:34,280 What's really striking to me is the disconnect 268 00:09:34,280 --> 00:09:36,560 between all the political talk around the IRA 269 00:09:36,560 --> 00:09:37,880 and what's actually happening. 270 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:39,840 We've been talking about those Republican districts 271 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:42,880 seeing all that investment in clean energy manufacturing 272 00:09:42,880 --> 00:09:45,120 because of the IRA, creating jobs 273 00:09:45,120 --> 00:09:47,040 and boosting local economies. 274 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:50,040 It puts those Republican lawmakers in a tough spot, 275 00:09:50,040 --> 00:09:52,720 supporting Trump's agenda while also needing to make sure 276 00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:55,360 their constituents are doing okay economically. 277 00:09:55,360 --> 00:09:57,880 Right, it's like actions speak louder than words. 278 00:09:57,880 --> 00:10:01,000 The data shows the IRA is really working. 279 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:03,240 It's a catalyst for economic growth, 280 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:05,560 even in areas that we wouldn't typically think of 281 00:10:05,560 --> 00:10:07,120 as being big on clean energy. 282 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:09,520 Yeah, it really challenges the traditional narrative 283 00:10:09,520 --> 00:10:11,160 we hear about climate action. 284 00:10:11,160 --> 00:10:13,680 It's almost like those economic benefits of the IRA 285 00:10:13,680 --> 00:10:15,600 are having this sneaky impact, 286 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:17,920 quietly making their way into communities, 287 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:19,920 regardless of political affiliation. 288 00:10:19,920 --> 00:10:22,000 And you know what makes me think back to LIHEAP, 289 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:24,000 the program that helps those low income families 290 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:25,680 keep up with their energy bills, 291 00:10:25,680 --> 00:10:28,240 even that got caught up in Trump's executive order. 292 00:10:28,240 --> 00:10:29,520 Oh yeah, definitely. 293 00:10:29,520 --> 00:10:31,360 Seems like an unintended consequence. 294 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:33,560 And thankfully those technical issues that caused it 295 00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:35,360 got fixed pretty quickly. 296 00:10:35,360 --> 00:10:38,440 But it just shows how these big policy changes 297 00:10:38,440 --> 00:10:40,400 can have these ripple effects you don't expect. 298 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:42,680 They reach way beyond what they're supposed to. 299 00:10:42,680 --> 00:10:45,680 It highlights how connected our energy systems are 300 00:10:45,680 --> 00:10:48,360 and how vulnerable people are when they rely on the government 301 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:50,280 for help meeting their basic needs. 302 00:10:50,280 --> 00:10:51,280 It's a good point. 303 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:52,760 The decisions made in Washington 304 00:10:52,760 --> 00:10:54,600 have real consequences for people, 305 00:10:54,600 --> 00:10:57,360 even in areas you wouldn't think would be affected. 306 00:10:57,360 --> 00:10:59,680 So while LIHEAP's been sorted out, 307 00:10:59,680 --> 00:11:01,720 the big question is still there. 308 00:11:01,720 --> 00:11:04,160 What's next for clean energy in America 309 00:11:04,160 --> 00:11:05,760 with this new administration? 310 00:11:05,760 --> 00:11:07,840 That's the million dollar question, isn't it? 311 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:10,040 All this political uncertainty with the IRA 312 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:11,840 and the possibility of things changing 313 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:14,440 is making businesses and investors nervous. 314 00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:17,560 We're already seeing companies hitting pause on projects. 315 00:11:17,560 --> 00:11:20,160 They're hesitant to commit to things long term 316 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,160 when the rules might change at any moment. 317 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:23,160 Absolutely. 318 00:11:23,160 --> 00:11:26,440 Take Core A Power, a battery cell developer. 319 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:27,960 They had that conditional commitment 320 00:11:27,960 --> 00:11:30,360 for a big loan from the Department of Energy 321 00:11:30,360 --> 00:11:32,360 to build a factory in Arizona. 322 00:11:32,360 --> 00:11:35,360 But the deal wasn't done before Trump came back. 323 00:11:35,360 --> 00:11:38,360 Now they've pulled out of their plans for that Arizona plant. 324 00:11:38,360 --> 00:11:41,360 They say it's because of rising construction costs. 325 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:44,360 But you have to wonder if the political climate played a role. 326 00:11:44,360 --> 00:11:46,360 It's a tough decision for any company. 327 00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:48,360 But when you think about the possibility 328 00:11:48,360 --> 00:11:52,360 that policies could change and wreck your whole business model, 329 00:11:52,360 --> 00:11:53,360 it makes it even tougher. 330 00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:57,360 Yeah, it really shows how important it is to have some stability 331 00:11:57,360 --> 00:11:59,360 to be able to predict what's going to happen 332 00:11:59,360 --> 00:12:01,360 when it comes to investment and innovation, 333 00:12:01,360 --> 00:12:03,360 especially in clean energy, 334 00:12:03,360 --> 00:12:06,360 which is still pretty new and changing all the time. 335 00:12:06,360 --> 00:12:08,360 And it's not just about individual companies 336 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:09,360 making those tough calls. 337 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:12,360 This uncertainty could affect the whole clean energy sector. 338 00:12:12,360 --> 00:12:15,360 It could slow down our transition to a more sustainable future. 339 00:12:15,360 --> 00:12:17,360 That's something a lot of people are worried about, 340 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:19,360 even some in the Republican Party who see 341 00:12:19,360 --> 00:12:21,360 the economic potential of clean energy. 342 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:23,360 We've actually seen some Republican lawmakers 343 00:12:23,360 --> 00:12:26,360 quietly working to protect those clean energy investments 344 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:27,360 in their districts. 345 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:30,360 They see the jobs and economic growth those projects can bring. 346 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:32,360 It seems like more and more people are realizing 347 00:12:32,360 --> 00:12:35,360 clean energy isn't just about the environment anymore. 348 00:12:35,360 --> 00:12:38,360 It's about economic opportunity, energy independence. 349 00:12:38,360 --> 00:12:42,360 And in the end, it affects all of us no matter what our politics are. 350 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:43,360 That's a really important point. 351 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:46,360 When we only think about climate action as environmentalism, 352 00:12:46,360 --> 00:12:47,360 it can be limiting. 353 00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:49,360 But when we start to see those connections 354 00:12:49,360 --> 00:12:52,360 between clean energy and jobs, 355 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:55,360 energy independence and building a stronger economy, 356 00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:57,360 it makes it more appealing and opens up the chance 357 00:12:57,360 --> 00:13:00,360 for people to work together across party lines. 358 00:13:00,360 --> 00:13:03,360 It gives me some hope, even with all the political stuff going on. 359 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:05,360 There are people out there trying to find common ground 360 00:13:05,360 --> 00:13:07,360 and move forward on climate action. 361 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:09,360 They get how important this is. 362 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,360 They're focusing on those economic opportunities 363 00:13:11,360 --> 00:13:14,360 that come with clean energy, trying to appeal to both sides, 364 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:18,360 and showing that a sustainable future can also be a prosperous one. 365 00:13:18,360 --> 00:13:21,360 And it's not just politicians and businesses. 366 00:13:21,360 --> 00:13:25,360 Consumers are demanding cleaner and more sustainable products and services. 367 00:13:25,360 --> 00:13:28,360 That's pushing companies to change the way they do things. 368 00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:31,360 That consumer pressure combined with the economic incentives 369 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:36,360 from policies like the IRA really creates a powerful force for change. 370 00:13:36,360 --> 00:13:40,360 Yeah. It's a reminder that we all have a part to play in creating the future we want. 371 00:13:40,360 --> 00:13:44,360 From the decisions being made in Washington to the choices we make every day, 372 00:13:44,360 --> 00:13:46,360 everything we do has an impact. 373 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:49,360 Absolutely. This move to a cleaner, more sustainable future 374 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:51,360 isn't going to happen overnight. 375 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:53,360 There will definitely be challenges along the way. 376 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:56,360 But if we understand how connected everything is, 377 00:13:56,360 --> 00:13:59,360 our energy systems, our economy, and our environment, 378 00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:04,360 and if we're willing to work together even with our political and ideological differences, 379 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:07,360 we can create a future that's both sustainable and prosperous. 380 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:10,360 Will said. But we're still left with that question. 381 00:14:10,360 --> 00:14:14,360 How will this political battle over the IRA and clean energy funding 382 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:16,360 play out in the long run? 383 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:18,360 Well, that's what we'll be looking at in the next segment. 384 00:14:18,360 --> 00:14:21,360 We'll take a closer look at the legal challenges that are going on, 385 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:23,360 the possibility of these policies changing, 386 00:14:23,360 --> 00:14:26,360 and what it all means for the future of clean energy in America. 387 00:14:26,360 --> 00:14:27,360 Stay tuned. 388 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:32,360 We've really been digging into this political battle over funding for the Inflation Reduction Act, 389 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:34,360 and it's obvious the stakes are high. 390 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:36,360 It's not just the environment anymore. 391 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:39,360 It's the economy, its jobs. 392 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:42,360 It's the future of so many communities across the country. 393 00:14:42,360 --> 00:14:44,360 Yeah. It feels like we're at a real turning point here. 394 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:48,360 On the one hand, you've got the Trump administration pushing to scale back 395 00:14:48,360 --> 00:14:51,360 what they see is too much spending on climate stuff. 396 00:14:51,360 --> 00:14:54,360 They're calling it a burden on businesses and a waste of taxpayer money. 397 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,360 And on the other side, 398 00:14:56,360 --> 00:15:00,360 are the folks who see the IRA as this really important investment 399 00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:02,360 in a cleaner and more sustainable future. 400 00:15:02,360 --> 00:15:04,360 They say it's creating jobs, 401 00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:06,360 boosting the economy, 402 00:15:06,360 --> 00:15:07,360 and tackling climate change. 403 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:09,360 And caught in the middle are the states. 404 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:12,360 The organizations and the people dealing with all the uncertainty 405 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:15,360 and disruption from this funding freeze, 406 00:15:15,360 --> 00:15:17,360 they're left wondering if everything they've worked for, 407 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:20,360 the projects, the jobs, the progress they fought for, 408 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:22,360 will all be sacrificed. 409 00:15:22,360 --> 00:15:23,360 It's frustrating. 410 00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:25,360 But even with all the chaos and confusion, 411 00:15:25,360 --> 00:15:27,360 there are some signs of hope. 412 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:30,360 Legal challenges to that executive order are going through the courts. 413 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:34,360 And some judges have said the administration has to release some of that money. 414 00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:36,360 Right. These legal battles are definitely not over. 415 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:38,360 And we don't know what's going to happen in the end. 416 00:15:38,360 --> 00:15:41,360 But these challenges show that a lot of people are pushing back 417 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:46,360 against the administration trying to basically go around Congress 418 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:50,360 who remember past the IRA with support from both parties. 419 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:52,360 And it's not just about legal stuff. 420 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:54,360 There's a growing movement in the business world 421 00:15:54,360 --> 00:15:58,360 with a lot of people saying we need to keep investing in clean energy. 422 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:00,360 They're seeing the economic benefits. 423 00:16:00,360 --> 00:16:02,360 Yeah, we've seen it firsthand. 424 00:16:02,360 --> 00:16:04,360 Solar energy executives meeting with lawmakers 425 00:16:04,360 --> 00:16:06,360 to talk about how many jobs their industry can create. 426 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:09,360 And then you have companies like Carrow Power 427 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:12,360 changing their business models to fit with the administration's focus 428 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:14,360 on energy dominance. 429 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:16,360 There's a more practical approach coming out. 430 00:16:16,360 --> 00:16:19,360 One that recognizes we need to find a balance 431 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:21,360 between taking care of the environment 432 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:23,360 and dealing with economic realities. 433 00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:25,360 It's about getting more people to agree 434 00:16:25,360 --> 00:16:28,360 that clean energy is important for America to be competitive 435 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:30,360 and stay strong in the long run. 436 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:33,360 The world is moving towards a cleaner energy future 437 00:16:33,360 --> 00:16:36,360 and the United States can't afford to be left behind. 438 00:16:36,360 --> 00:16:37,360 It's a good point. 439 00:16:37,360 --> 00:16:40,360 Climate action isn't just about saving the planet. 440 00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:43,360 It's about creating a strong economy that can do well in the 21st century. 441 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:46,360 And at the end of the day, it's about leaving a better world 442 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:48,360 for our kids and grandkids. 443 00:16:48,360 --> 00:16:50,360 What we do today affects the climate they inherit. 444 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:53,360 It's our job to make sure we're making the right choices 445 00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:55,360 to protect their future. 446 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:58,360 So as we try to figure out what's going on with all this, 447 00:16:58,360 --> 00:17:01,360 it's important to remember we all have a role to play 448 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,360 in shaping America's energy future, 449 00:17:03,360 --> 00:17:06,360 whether it's advocating for policies that support clean energy, 450 00:17:06,360 --> 00:17:09,360 making sustainable choices in our own lives, 451 00:17:09,360 --> 00:17:12,360 or supporting businesses that are committed to a cleaner future. 452 00:17:12,360 --> 00:17:14,360 Every action makes a difference. 453 00:17:14,360 --> 00:17:17,360 The transition to a more sustainable future won't be easy, 454 00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:20,360 and we're definitely going to run into challenges along the way. 455 00:17:20,360 --> 00:17:22,360 But by working together, embracing innovation, 456 00:17:22,360 --> 00:17:24,360 and keeping our eyes on the prize, 457 00:17:24,360 --> 00:17:27,360 we can create a future where a strong economy 458 00:17:27,360 --> 00:17:29,360 and a healthy environment go hand in hand. 459 00:17:29,360 --> 00:17:31,360 That's a vision worth fighting for. 460 00:17:31,360 --> 00:17:33,360 And we'll keep following this story, 461 00:17:33,360 --> 00:17:35,360 bringing you the latest developments and insights as they happen. 462 00:17:35,360 --> 00:17:38,360 Thanks for joining us on Meteorology Matters. 463 00:17:38,360 --> 00:17:40,360 And don't forget to follow meteorologist Rob Jones 464 00:17:40,360 --> 00:17:42,360 on Instagram meteorologist, 465 00:17:42,360 --> 00:17:44,360 on TikTok TV meteorologist, 466 00:17:44,360 --> 00:17:46,360 and on YouTube follow Rob Jones' Hurricane, 467 00:17:46,360 --> 00:17:49,360 where you can also find the Meteorology Matters podcast playlist. 468 00:17:49,360 --> 00:18:11,360 Until next time, stay informed and stay engaged.