Amo Partners with US Treasury to Help Rhode Islanders Unlock Inflation Reduction Act Opportunities
Provisions in the landmark law will help local governments and tax-exempt organizations receive federal tax credits quickly and directly
Congressman Amo delivers remarks at today’s Inflation Reduction Act Technical Assistance Summit
PROVIDENCE, RI – Building on last month’s successful launch of his District Climate Policy Advisory Committee, today Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) welcomed the Senior Advisor for Policy Implementation at the U.S. Department of Treasury, David Eichenthal, to discuss the groundbreaking opportunities to fund clean energy projects through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA Technical Assistance Summit was hosted by the State of Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, Climate Jobs RI, CompeteRI, and the Partnership for Rhode Island.
At the first meeting of the District Climate Policy Advisory Committee, there was widespread agreement that more information was needed about “Direct Pay,” an innovative tool that allows tax-exempt entities — from local governments and municipalities to education, faith, and community groups — to receive credits directly in the form of cash payments to deploy renewable energy initiatives. David Eichenthal currently leads the Treasury Department’s engagement with state and local governments on the IRA tax credit issues
“Technical assistance is an often overlooked, but critically important, part of helping organizations engage with the federal government. I know this firsthand from my work in the Biden-Harris White House to implement historic federal legislation for states, cities, and towns,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Today, I was proud to invite senior Treasury official, David Eichenthal, to our Ocean State to help local stakeholders understand how to access historic tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. Unleashing the full potential of the law will certainly revolutionize the fight against climate change, but it only works if people know about it and know how to apply for it.”
BACKGROUND
Since being sworn into office, Congressman Gabe Amo has been a champion for Rhode Island’s environment and for action to address the climate crisis. As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he supports federal programs and funding to promote Rhode Island’s green and blue economies and create the jobs of the future. In addition, he has advocated for clean energy to reduce Rhode Island’s carbon footprint while carefully balancing the preservation of natural resources.
On September 4, 2024, he held the first meeting of his District Climate Policy Advisory Committee — a critical resource and sounding board to help advocate for Rhode Island’s conservation and sustainability. In addition to advising Congressman Amo on federal funding priorities, planning community events, and engaging with local environmental organizations, the committee will serve as a resource for recommendations on legislation and district priorities.