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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

GA leaders celebrate impact of IRA on clean energy, environmental justice

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024   

Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and Georgia leaders with Elected Officials to Protect America are reflecting on its benefits.

On Monday, state leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the legislation's effect on reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs and boosting Justice40 communities.

Donya Sartor, mayor of Jonesboro, said Georgia alone has received $219 million to start energy rebate programs and lower energy bills statewide. She pointed out it has been key in helping a local school district to transition to clean energy for its transportation.

"Clean energy buses mean less headaches, less dizziness, less nausea," Sartor observed. "Also, it doesn't trigger the asthma attacks because they're not inhaling the nitrogen oxide that's given off by so many of the diesel vehicles."

She noted for her community, the legislation ensured a person's ZIP code does not determine access to clean energy. A recent U.S. Department of the Treasury report found most investments have gone to underserved and front line environmental justice communities such as Jonesboro.

Yetide Badaki, an actress, writer, and producer on the shows "Star Trek" and "American Gods," touted the measure's focus on environmental justice and its potential to create a more equitable future. She stressed the importance of addressing embedded biases and laws to achieve a cleaner future for everyone.

"To achieve equality, we must solve and work for environmental justice for all," Badaki asserted. "The Inflation Reduction Act's focus on environmental justice and Justice40 areas is historic, and it puts us on that path."

According to the Department of the Treasury, the Inflation Reduction Act could generate $5 trillion in global benefits from reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.

Disclosure: Elected Officials to Protect America contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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