Join the Electrification Caucus
Rewiring America applauds the formation of the bicameral Electrification Caucus, a group of Congressional leaders from both chambers who recognize the importance of electrification in growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, reducing our pollution, creating healthier indoor environments, and saving American families money. The Caucus is co-chaired by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY 20), and Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL 14). Committed to advancing policies that support the widespread electrification of our economy, the Caucus will focus on:
- Consumer rebates, consumer-facing tax credits, and financing mechanisms
- Workforce training
- Justice and equity issues related to electrification
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Building codes
- Grid improvements and expanding transmission
- Upstream incentives to spur U.S. manufacturing
- Transition of electric sector to clean energy
- Incentives to encourage electrification of industrial processes and facilities
The Electrification Caucus will be crucial for legislation and federal action on electrification. If tackling the climate crisis is important to you, reach out to your Senators and Representatives and encourage them to join the Caucus.
To learn more about the Electrification Caucus, please visit the Electrification Caucus website by Co-Chair Senator Heinrich.
Caucus Co-Chairs
- Sen. Martin Heinrich
D-New Mexico
“Electrifying our homes and businesses is one of the surest climate actions that we can take right now. We can create millions of new jobs, reduce our energy bills, and improve air quality and public health. This is a way to use already existing, proven technologies to dramatically reduce carbon pollution, create millions of new, good-paying jobs, and secure a better, more equitable future for our communities.”
- Sen. Tina Smith
D-Minnesota
“The transition to clean energy is happening, the question is whether our country leads or follows. I want us to lead. The adoption of heat pumps will help us use American-made clean electricity that increases our energy independence, lowers energy costs for families, reduces pollution, and protects the planet.”
- Rep. Kathy Castor
D-Florida
“It’s time to unleash the supercharged benefits of electrification: new good-paying jobs and careers, lower bills for American families, cleaner air for vulnerable communities, and a healthier environment for the next generation. I’m committed to building our clean energy future right here in America, as we put Americans to work building fun-to-drive electric cars, manufacturing cost-saving electric appliances, and expanding the reach of cleaner, cheaper energy.”
- Rep. Paul Tonko
D-New York
“Electrifying our buildings and vehicles will not only prove vital in our fight to combat the climate crisis, but also offers untapped opportunities to improve energy efficiency, spur innovation and provide all Americans with better, cleaner alternatives. Now is the time for Congress to take bold steps towards electrification in order to help Americans save on their energy bills while breathing cleaner air.”
Senate Caucus Members
- Sen. Richard Durbin
D-IL
- Sen. John Hickenlooper
D-CO
- Sen. Angus King
I-ME
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar
D-MN
- Sen. Edward Markey
D-MA
- Sen. Jeffrey Merkley
D-OR
- Sen. Brian Schatz
D-HI
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren
D-MA
- Sen. Peter Welch
D-VT
House Caucus Members
- Rep. Colin Allred
D-TX-32
- Rep. Nanette Barragan
D-CA-44
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer
D-OR-03
- Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester
D-DE-01
- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
D-OR-01
- Rep. Julia Brownley
D-CA-26
- Rep. Sean Casten
D-IL-06
- Rep. Yvette Clarke
D-NY-09
- Rep. Sharice Davids
D-KS-03
Electrification Caucus Members release statements on Inflation Reduction Act
- Sen. Martin Heinrich
Co-Chair, D-NM
Aug 16, 2022
Heinrich Applauds Biden Signing Inflation Reduction Act Into Law
“Taken as a whole, this new law . . . will move the needle on climate further than ever before by accelerating the widespread deployment of reliable, affordable, and pollution-free power generation and supercharge American manufacturing base for emerging clean and electric technologies—from air-source heat pumps and wind turbines to batteries, solar components, and electric vehicles."
- Sen. Tina Smith
Co-Chair, D-MN
Aug 7, 2022
U.S. Senator Tina Smith Celebrates the Passage of the IRA
“This is a historic bill that meets the moment. It fights inflation and reduces the federal deficit. Make no mistake: This legislation represents the most significant action we have ever taken to fight the climate crisis. It will lead to a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030, lower energy costs, and spur the economy by creating millions of union jobs in manufacturing and clean energy."
- Rep. Kathy Castor
Co-Chair, D-FL-14
Aug 12, 2022
Rep. Castor Hails Passage of Historic Inflation Reduction Act
“This is also a Big Climate Deal. The Inflation Reduction Act . . . will empower American workers to lead the global clean energy economy, as we produce more of our energy here in America, bolster our energy independence, and strengthen our domestic manufacturing supply chain.”
- Rep. Paul Tonko
Co-Chair, D-NY-20
Aug 12, 2022
Tonko Heralds Passage of Historic Inflation Reduction Act
"Our Inflation Reduction Act delivers unmatched investments in clean energy and emerging technologies like offshore wind, advances environmental justice, creates good-paying clean jobs, slashes pollution, and so much more. In addition to helping us achieve our climate goals, this transformational legislation will lower costs for consumers."
- Sen. John Hickenlooper
D-CO
Aug 16, 2022
Hickenlooper: “This Begins the Great Transition”
“We will reduce the deficit by $300 billion even as we make the most significant investment in addressing the climate crisis in the history of the world. This begins the Great Transition.”
Activity
Senate Electrification Caucus Co-Chairs Break Down the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Senate Electrification Caucus Co-Chairs Break Down the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Sen. Smith: “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the most significant action to fight the climate emergency, to lower costs for Americans and to put U.S. workers and manufacturers at the forefront of a clean energy future.”
Senators Smith, Heinrich Introduce Clean Energy Jobs Act
Sen. Smith: “Transitioning to a clean energy economy isn’t just essential to reduce air pollution and combat climate change; it’s a huge economic opportunity for local communities in Minnesota and across the country.”
Senator Klobuchar and Electrification Caucus Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Clean, Affordable Heating and Energy
Sen. Klobuchar: “This legislation is a win-win – reducing energy costs for consumers, while strengthening access to clean, energy-efficient heating solutions. As we continue transitioning to a clean energy economy, increasing production of heat pumps will be critical to lowering emissions and helping families across our state get the affordable heating they need.”
Electrification Caucus Co-Chairs and Members Call on FERC to Improve Grid Reliability and Lower Energy Costs
“We have technologies we can deploy today to reduce household energy bills, improve reliability, create jobs, and cut harmful carbon pollution. We urge you to take next steps as expeditiously as possible to upgrade and expand our electric grid to enable power sharing across regions and the connection of more affordable and abundant renewable energy to power our homes, businesses, and vehicles at lower costs.”
Senators Markey and Warren of the Electrification Caucus comment on the U.S. and E.U. Task Force to Reduce Europe’s Dependence on Russian Energy
“As President Biden works to take short-term steps to support Europe in the face of war and disruption, we urge the administration to continue to direct investments, funding, and private-sector collaborations toward the renewable energy and electrification solutions that will keep us safe, healthy, and supplied with affordable energy.”
Electrification Caucus Members Call on President Biden to Deploy Clean Energy and Energy-Efficient Electric Technologies in Response to Putin’s Energy Market Disruption
Sen. Smith: “Due to the humanitarian, energy, and economic crises caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we urge you to use all the tools and authority at your disposal to provide relief to our residents and allies and take preemptive steps to limit future instability caused by climate change and conflict funded by fossil fuel profits. In addition to our ongoing efforts to pass a robust set of climate justice and clean energy investments through Congress, we must take bold action to invest in energy efficiency and cut fossil fuel demand through electrification wherever possible.”
Electrification Caucus Members, Senator Merkley and Rep. Huffman, Team Up with European Parliament to Urge Global Clean Energy Transition
Sen. Merkley: “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that the window to secure a livable future is rapidly closing. Further expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in the United States and Europe is destined to set us back during a moment when we should be doing everything within our power to avert climate catastrophe.”
Ahead of Expected Climate Rule, Electrification Caucus Members Call for Increased Climate Lobbying Disclosure Requirement
Sen. Whitehouse: “As U.S. Senators, we have a front row seat to what companies do and don’t do in Congress to address climate change. An increasing number of companies tout their climate and other environmental commitments to both investors and the general public. These public statements are at odds with their lack of engagement in Congress on climate and their membership in and financial support of a number of anti-climate trade associations and other dark money groups.”
Co-Chair Senator Heinrich and Rewiring America CEO Ari Matusiak Op-Ed on Freedom for Ukraine, electrification for peace and prosperity
Sen. Heinrich:“The only way to break free from that cycle of dependence is to stop using the machines that consume fossil fuels to heat our air and water, cook our food, dry our clothes, and take us from place to place. We must electrify. And quickly.”
Senate Electrification Caucus Members Introduce Bill to Stop Big Oil Profiteering and Provide Consumers Relief
Sen. Warren: " “We’ve seen this script before, and we cannot allow the fossil fuel industry to once again collect a massive windfall by taking advantage of an international crisis. I propose sending Big Oil’s big windfall back to the hardworking people who paid for it at the gas pump. Over the longer term, speeding up the transition to renewables will lower energy costs, insulate consumers from price spikes, and reduce Western nations’ dependence on foreign despots and greedy fossil fuel companies.”
Electrification Caucus Co-Chairs, Houston Mayor, Redfin CEO, and Rewiring America CEO Call for Congressional Action on Home Electrification Measures
Sen. Tina Smith: “Building out clean electricity and then electrifying everything we can is a powerful combination. It isn’t just good for the climate, it also saves people money. The planet and future generations depend on us acting now. We must work together and pass strong clean energy legislation now.”
Sen. Heinrich Talks Building Electrification to Stanford Students
Sen. Heinrich: “I view widespread electrification as a foundational piece of concrete action. In coordination with decarbonization of our entire power generation sector, Electrification of our homes, offices and vehicles will be central to meeting our carbon emissions targets quickly enough to prevent the worst impacts of our warming planet.”
Rep. Tonko Joins DOE Sec. Granholm to Talk Renewable Energy and Build Back Better
Rep. Tonko: "It’s important to recognize that this opportunity for offshore wind is part of the clean energy cycle with no fuel costs. When we look at offshore wind, it’s an asset and a treasure [enabling us] to be able to meet national and state clean energy goals."
House Select Committee on Climate Crisis Holds Hearing to Discuss the Benefits of Climate Investments on Families and Businesses
Rep. Castor: “Investing in clean energy will make America healthier and more resilient - and unleash incredible economic benefits for American families, such as reducing the costs of energy, lowering electric bills, reducing the cost of traveling, and creating millions of family-sustaining jobs…Households could save about $500 dollars every year just on energy costs by embracing renewables, electric vehicles, home weatherization and electric appliances.”
Experts Discuss the Benefits of Building Electrification in Joint Economic Committee Hearing
Sen. Heinrich: “The good news is that there are already electric alternatives for fossil-burning machines in our homes. Each of these electric substitutes can help reduce climate pollution and create savings on our energy bills.”
Senator Markey Introduces Sweeping Legislation to Create 21st Century Electric Grid
Sen. Markey: “The CHARGE Act lays the groundwork for an energy grid that can support an explosion of electric-powered vehicles and buildings, while also improving energy reliability, lowering costs for consumers, and spurring economic competition.”
Electrification Caucus Co-Chairs Call On President Biden To Achieve True Energy Independence With Electrification And Clean Energy
Electrification Caucus Co-chairs: "We urge the Biden Administration to take action to ramp up American manufacturing and adoption of electric appliances like heat pumps and work with the Senate to steer transformative investments in clean energy across the finish line."
News
A New Moment for Energy Overhaul
“Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) floated various ways that Biden should force the manufacture of heat pumps to ease the strain in the energy markets caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Biden administration could place a significant procurement order through the Department of Defense, utilize the Loan Programs Office capacity at the Department of Energy, or invoke the Defense Production Act to “pump out heat pumps to electrify European homes,” he said at a Wednesday event hosted by Rewiring America, Evergreen Action and Ceres. He dubbed the push "electrify for peace."
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith Calls for Federal Action on Electrification Rebates
"U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is among a group of congressional Democrats calling for action on proposed policies that would make it cheaper for Americans to electrify their homes."
Dems Look to Reframe ‘Build Back Better’ on Pocketbook Issues
Democrats included as part of more than $500 billion in climate-related spending in their $1.7 trillion reconciliation package a series of voluntary rebate programs that would help low- and middle-income consumers offset the cost of purchasing electric home appliances like stoves, water heaters and heat pumps
Senators Heinrich, Markey Lead Call For USPS To Prioritize Widespread Fleet Electrification
“[The Senators] call on the USPS to increase procurement of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which would not only be cheaper to own and operate than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), but improve public health and reduce environmental damages that are a result of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
Democratic Lawmakers Create Electrification Caucus in Congress
“The lawmakers said widespread electrification will have the benefits of lowering energy bills, improving air quality and public health, addressing the climate crisis, and creating jobs.”
Press Releases
- Representative Tonko releases statement on Inflation Reduction Act
Jul 28, 2022
Rep. Tonko releases statement on Inflation Reduction Act
“The Inflation Reduction Act would be the most significant action we’ve taken on climate change in history, securing nearly $370 billion over the next decade to implement clean energy development, support emerging technologies like offshore wind, and promote manufacturing and sale of electric vehicles, and so much more.”
- Senators Hickenlooper, Bennet Applaud President Biden Waiving Solar Tariffs, Supporting Colorado Solar Industry
Jun 6, 2022
“We must prioritize U.S. solar power to expand our clean energy economy,” said Hickenlooper. “It’s critical to reaching net-zero emissions. President Biden’s executive order will ensure our domestic solar industry can grow and create good jobs.”
- Heinrich Welcomes Biden Executive Action on Heat Pumps, Electrification
Jun 6, 2022
Heinrich Welcomes Biden Executive Action on Heat Pumps, Electrification
“By deploying the Defense Production Act to supercharge American manufacturing of heat pumps and other critical clean energy technologies, President Biden is taking decisive action to lower energy costs for families, improve public health, and meet our climate responsibility. Manufacturing heat pumps at scale will help more Americans purchase these super-efficient, clean, and electric appliances.”
- Chair Castor Applauds President Biden’s Executive Action to Lower Energy Costs for Consumers and Spur American Clean Energy Manufacturing
Jun 6, 2022
"By using the Defense Production Act to unleash the economic potential of clean technologies, President Biden is taking an important step to lower energy costs and to protect existing American jobs in the clean energy industry, while helping create new ones in domestic manufacturing and construction projects.”
- Tonko, Rush & Kaptur Introduce Weatherization Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Families and Improve Access to Program
Jun 3, 2022
“Even before the recent increase in energy, utility bills were straining budgets for millions of families, with low-income households shouldering much of this burden,” Congressman Tonko said. “For decades, the Weatherization Assistance Program has helped millions of Americans lower their energy costs while making their homes safer and healthier.