WASHINGTON (Michigan News Source) – Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the passing of the historic Inflation Reduction Act under the  Biden Administration, one of the catalysts for Michigan’s push for EV related businesses. 

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The U.S. Department of Energy hailed the first year as a success in part because it spurred a “revolution in the clean energy sector.” 

“Embracing clean energy isn’t just a matter of environmental stewardship; it’s also a strategic move for economic growth. By funneling an historic amount of resources into renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable transportation, the nation has enjoyed a surge in job creation and the expansion of businesses in the clean energy sector.

Moreover, it estimated that more than 75,000 new jobs have been created in the battery supply chain with more than 80 new or expanded electric vehicle (EV) components or assembly plants. 

“The private sector has announced more than $110 billion in new clean energy manufacturing investments, including more than $70 billion in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain and more than $10 billion in solar manufacturing,” according to the White House. “Since the President was elected, the private sector has announced approximately $240 billion in new clean energy manufacturing investments.”

Michigan has made strides to make use of the IRA, from expanding EV jobs to saving the everyday Michigander money and incentivizing the purchases of EV cars. 

“The Inflation Reduction Act will make it easier and cheaper to purchase an electric vehicle, with upfront discounts up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs, helping middle-class Americans skip the gas pump and save on fuel costs,” the White House said. “In Michigan, millions of people will be eligible for these discounts.”

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Previously, Governor Whitmer has signed an executive order to help cut costs in other aspects of life besides energy. 

“The Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost of prescription drugs, health care, and energy, and I am taking action today to ensure that families have the information and resources they need to fully harness its benefits,” Governor Whitmer said. “These provisions to lower costs and put money in people’s pockets are a great step forward and we will work hard to make sure Michiganders can see and feel the benefits of the IRA. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do, and it is time they got some relief.”

Numerous EV plants are in development across the state including Chinese linked Gotion in Big Rapids, and the Ford BlueOval Battery Park plant in Marshall- which is under investigation by several U.S. Congressional Committees for ties to Chinese companies.  The Ford BlueOval project is facing some court setbacks as the area is not uniformly in support of the project.  A recent proposed project in Vernon Township is also in the preliminary stages of site preparedness, but no construction has formally begun,  nor company named. 

The White House is also reporting from other studies, that the IRA’s clean energy and climate provisions have already created more than 170,000 clean energy jobs and could create more than 1 million additional jobs during the next decade.