October 31, 2024
In a series of two Webinars hosted by the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove and a panel of experts shared how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created new ways for non-taxable organizations to take advantage of clean energy technologies.
The federal government has long provided tax credits for individuals and businesses investing in solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency. The IRA, passed in 2022, expanded those credits to non-taxable entities (such as schools, houses of worship, and other non-profits) and made them payable as cash reimbursements. The new Direct Pay program, also called Elective Pay, means that these organizations can recoup 30-50% or more of the initial cost of buying and installing clean energy technologies.
The Angeles Chapter hosted webinars on October 22 and 28. The first featured Representative Kamlager-Dove and included break-out sessions for local non-profit members and Sierra Club volunteers to talk about Direct/Elective Pay and how to use it. Representative Kamlager-Dove said, “I am excited to be talking about non-profit organizations talking about and gearing up to be competitive for an array of climate resiliency investments.” She went on to say that the IRA “has been a game-changer in helping the United States meet our climate goals, to invest in good paying jobs, to focus on green jobs, actually make the tax code fairer, and to reduce energy and health care costs for families.”
The second webinar, held October 28, featured Stephanie Seidman from Undaunted K-12, Dan Macyntire from TenCo Solar, and tax expert James Goldkamp from FML. Angeles Chapter Executive Director Morgan Goodwin led the panel through a discussion of how non-taxable entities can benefit from cash reimbursements for clean energy investments like solar panels and batteries. Seidman described how many school districts in California are starting to take advantage of Direct/Elective Pay to lower their utility costs, and Macyntire explained how non-profits like churches are also saving money on electric bills. Goldkamp talked about requesting reimbursement from the federal government and provided tips for how to prepare for the process.
The panel fielded questions from the webinar audience and finished with strong endorsements of the Direct/Elective Pay program.
The first and second webinars are available. Please share them with people you know in the non-profit sector!