For Immediate Release: July 28, 2022

Contact: Matt Spence  202-728-6014

IBEW Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Lonnie Stephenson issued the following statement upon the announcement on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: 

“The IBEW’s 775,000 active and retired members strongly support this breakthrough agreement that fights inflation and delivers the tools to take on climate change. It pairs the historic clean energy investments necessary to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 40 percent by 2030 with labor standards that promote family-sustaining union jobs. The agreement also makes important strides in deficit reduction already underway, which will help bring down inflation.

“This historic legislation delivers funding to support clean energy projects that will create new union jobs, lower energy costs and curb the climate crisis while average American households making less than $400,000 a year will see no increase in taxes. Corporations, however, will pay their fair share. The proposal also boosts renewable energy production, carbon capture and nuclear energy, which are necessary provisions for increased domestic energy security. Crucially, it incentivizes the purchase of electric vehicles for the charging network that IBEW members are already constructing.  

“If passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, it will be a win for American families coping with inflation and the worst effects of climate change. The members of the IBEW look forward to celebrating its passage and getting to work on Biden’s energy goals for the future that is the imperative of this moment.”

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.