Article Summary –
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans aim to repeal clean energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act by President Joe Biden, which have significantly boosted investments and job creation in Wisconsin’s clean energy sector. Wisconsin small business leaders and organizations like Main Street Alliance and Green Homeowners United express concerns that removing these incentives could lead to job losses, increased consumer costs, and a chilling effect on investments in eco-friendly infrastructure. Companies such as Arch Solar and the River Food Pantry emphasize that these credits are crucial for their operations and growth, and their potential repeal would impede the progress towards renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are seeking to repeal several clean energy tax credits meant to aid American households and companies in transitioning to clean energy. Wisconsin small business leaders argue these cuts may lead to job losses and increased costs.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, signed by President Joe Biden, introduced tax credits and deductions for installing solar panels, building insulation, heat pumps, and other climate-friendly technologies. The law spurred significant investment in Wisconsin, with predictions of hundreds of new jobs.
Congressional Republicans have persistently opposed this 2022 legislation, with attempts to repeal it entirely. In the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised to dismantle the law.
Shawn Phetteplace from Main Street Alliance expressed concerns, saying, “For many business owners, these investments lower energy costs and increase efficiency. Losing these credits would be distressing.” Many small businesses have already planned for these credits and invested in sustainable infrastructure.
Ryan Holley from The River Food Pantry, planning for a 112-kilowatt solar array installation, voiced worries about potential funding cuts. The pantry aims for completion this year to still qualify for the 30% tax credit through the IRA.
Kevin Kane of Green Homeowners United said cutting credits would negatively impact their business. “These incentives reward eco-friendly home upgrades, and their loss would deter such investments,” he noted.
Angie Kochanski from Arch Solar mentioned uncertainty over tax credits is affecting business. “Many rely on the 30% federal tax credit for renewable energy investments. Losing it would slow renewable adoption and hurt decision-making,” she stated.
She added that without the credits, businesses like Arch would face job losses. “Since 2016, Arch has grown from 12 employees to nearly 200. The green economy’s growth potential is substantial, but the repeal could slash jobs,” Kochanski observed.
Uncertainty remains over the potential repeal of the IRA and its impact on clean energy provisions. Kane hopes these credits stay. He remarked, “These credits were incentives for doing right by the planet and home. Their removal is a significant moral and financial setback.”
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