In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law. This is the largest climate bill passed since the 1970s and there are many ways you can utilize this law to help care for creation. The Episcopal Church has been in support of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for over 20 years. IRA is a massive investment to help the United States lower its greenhouse gas emissions; churches and dioceses as well as individuals can now benefit from it. Whether you are looking to improve energy efficiency, have solar panels installed and more, the recently launched Direct Pay program allows tax-exempt institutions like churches to access federal funds for clean energy projects.

For more information and to see how your diocese or church may benefit, check out these resources from Interfaith Power & Light:

• Direct Pay 101: Federal Solar Funding for Houses of Worship: https://youtu.be/SMfCMzP6jks
• PowerPoint slides from the webinar

IRS web sites:

• Elective Pay Overview: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5817g.pdf
• Clean Vehicle and Energy Credits: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/clean-vehicle-and-energy-credits
• Elective Pay and Transferability: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/elective-pay-and-transferability-frequently-asked-questions-elective-pay
• Pre-Registration User Guide: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5884.pdf
• FAQ Document: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/elective-pay-and-transferability-frequently-asked-questions-elective-pay
• EESI Direct Pay for Nonprofits fact sheet is available on their website: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-direct-pay-for-nonprofits

Federal Agencies

• White House Direct Pay / Clean Energy: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/directpay/?utm_source=www.cleanenergy.gov
• Department of Energy: Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/federal-solar-tax-credits-businesses

Information shared by the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations