GWA wins real victories in hard times

This year has seen devastating attacks not just on renewable energy but on many vital programs and vulnerable communities. People are suffering. But GWA members are tough. They are fighting back and winning some victories in these tough times.

GWA members spent much of the last few months fighting to preserve renewable energy tax credits in budget reconciliation legislation. We held our first lobby day, partnered with People's Action and United Today, Stronger Tomorrow to bring members to speak with members of Congress, and GWA leaders shared their stories with the public through virtual press conferences, op-eds, and digital advertisements. We focused our lobbying and media work on states with key senators such as Iowa, and it paid off. The state's Senators helped remove a devastating excise tax on renewables from the final bill and add a more gradual phase-out of renewable tax credits.

Make no mistake: the legislation enacts devastating cuts to renewable energy and other vital programs to pay for tax cuts that mostly benefit the wealthy. All GWA members were able to do was lessen the damage to their industry. But in today's climate, that's a real win and a tribute to the work they put in.

Another victory in hard times comes from Ohio. As in much of the country, it has become increasingly difficult to build solar and wind projects in the state due to local opposition. That's why it was particularly exciting on June 26 to see the approval of the Frasier Solar Project in Knox County. GWA members have been advocating for the construction of the 120-megawatt project since last year, speaking at hearings and sharing information at community events. Now more than 200 workers will build the project, which is expected to generate up to $42.8 million in revenue for the community, with almost half of it allocated to local schools. And sheep grazing will be used for vegetation management at the site!

Finally, our newest GWA fellows, Tamika Organ and DaShawn Beaulieu, joined GWA staff in DC on June 23-24 for an intense two-day training and strategizing session. Both are from the solar industry and will participate in the fellowship program as they continue to work in the field. For the next three months, they will be helping build GWA and strengthen the movement for more and better renewable energy jobs. Welcome, DaShawn and Tamika!