Les Braswell
Feb 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Les Braswell
803-429-6260
Tucson City Councilmember Kevin Dahl, Local Public Health Leaders, and Advocates Call on Congress to Defend Federal Electric Vehicle Incentives
Local Leaders and Clean Energy Advocates Highlight Consumer Savings, Job Growth, and Public Health Benefits of Clean Vehicle Investments
(Tucson, AZ) – Today, local elected officials, public health professionals, and community advocates gathered in Tucson for a press conference to highlight the essential role of Electric Vehicle (EV) provisions and tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These incentives have been instrumental in delivering consumer savings, driving job creation, and improving public health in Tucson, but they now face potential rollbacks by Congress in 2025.
Speakers shared success stories on how the IRA and BIL’s EV provisions have reduced consumer costs, spurred local job growth, and supported healthier communities. They called on Arizona’s congressional representatives to protect these critical investments, ensuring Tucson’s continuing leadership in clean energy innovation.
Councilmember Kevin Dahl, City of Tucson, Ward 3, emphasized the direct benefits to Tucson families and workers. “Tucson residents are already seeing the savings and job growth that come with a clean energy future,” said Dahl. “The Inflation Reduction Act’s EV incentives have helped lower costs for families while driving economic growth. Companies like Sion Power are expanding operations in Tucson, creating new jobs in the clean energy sector. Meanwhile, federal investments in EV charging infrastructure are supporting local businesses and making it easier for residents to adopt cleaner transportation options. Rolling back these policies would undermine this progress, harming both our economy and public health.”
Karen Peterson, Past Board Chair of Tucson 2030 District and member of Physicians for Social Responsibility Arizona Chapter, highlighted the long-term sustainability benefits. “The Inflation Reduction Act represents a massive economic opportunity, and just as importantly its investments are about ensuring a livable future for our communities,” said Peterson. “Tucson has made great strides in advancing sustainability and clean transportation, and we cannot afford to let these vital investments slip away. Our city’s commitment to clean energy depends on strong federal policies that protect progress.”
Dr. Brian Drummond, MD, Chair and Co-Founder of Arizona Health Professionals for Climate Action, spoke on the health benefits of clean transportation. “As a physician and EV owner, I see firsthand how reducing vehicle emissions leads to immediate and tangible improvements in public health,” said Dr. Drummond. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits, families like mine have been able to transition to electric vehicles and adopt clean home energy solutions like rooftop solar. These investments are critical – not just for lowering household costs, but for cutting pollution that worsens respiratory conditions and disproportionately harms all communities.”
In conclusion, speakers urged Arizona’s congressional delegation to stand firm in defending these EV related investments and tax credits, emphasizing that the economic, environmental, and public health benefits are too significant to reverse.
