Inflation Reduction Act Boom Towns
The project examines the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on emerging “boom towns” due to new clean energy projects, particularly focusing on whether developments are procedurally and distributionally just within these communities. The methodology combines historical analysis of past U.S. manufacturing boom towns and case studies of new IRA-related developments, utilizing interviews, focus groups, and secondary data analysis. The findings aim to inform policy recommendations and enhance community engagement and fairness in IRA project implementations.
Grant Result
IRA investments in EV and battery manufacturing across the U.S. “Battery Belt” are creating modern boomtowns. This digest examines two case studies, outlines key challenges and opportunities, and offers policy recommendations for continued growth.
Read the Digest
Sanya Carley
Mark Alan Hughes Faculty DirectorSanya Carley is the Faculty Director of the Kleinman Center. She is also Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action at Penn and Presidential Distinguished Professor of Energy Policy and City Planning at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
