OAKLAND, CA — Yesterday, California Environmental Voters Education Fund (EnviroVoters Ed Fund) held its first Orange County IRA Accelerator Conference in partnership with Supervisor Katrina Foley, Orange County Community Foundation, OC Labor Federation, Councilmember Arlis Reynolds, and Climate Action Campaign.
Together, partners convened with stakeholders, local officials, and engineers to create a mutual learning space and get down to the brass tacks of how Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding will make it into Orange County. Last year, the Biden Administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act and EnviroVoters, along with its partners, want to ensure that the California dollars are used on what they are meant for: affordable clean energy, investing in communities to expand climate solutions, job creation, and environmental justice.
“Writing and passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act were historic investments in our collective future and a green transition. But the next challenge Californians face is accessing the funds and implementing these investments and ensuring we are putting resources in underinvested communities,” said Aaron McCall, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, EnviroVoters Ed Fund. “It is important we have climate champions in every level of government from the U.S. Senate to City Council fighting for green projects that deliver good-paying jobs and a just transition.”
“The science is clear: Orange County is facing a climate crisis,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “With unprecedented funding for climate and infrastructure investments available through the IRA and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we must make Orange County more competitive for these funds. This requires working together with scientific experts, county staff, local city leaders, and community partners. Making these climate investments now will improve air quality, increase access to open spaces, support our local economy and workforce, reimagine our public transit systems, protect natural resources, save our beaches, and ultimately create a sustainable Orange County fit for future generations.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Orange County IRA Accelerator event. This gathering was a pivotal step towards ensuring that Huntington Beach secures its fair share of funding under the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Natalie Moser, Huntington Beach City Councilmember. “I appreciate the efforts of all involved, from local officials to engineers, who are working collaboratively to leverage these funds for sustainable infrastructure projects that will benefit our community and enhance our environmental resilience. I am especially thankful for the guidance and support provided to help us navigate the application processes and proposal requirements effectively.”
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CONTACT:
Erika Guzman Cornejo
310-755-1615
erika@envirovoters.org
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ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
