Latest news with #BuiltforAmerica
Politico
4 days ago
- Business
- Politico
The GOP fight for clean energy credits
Presented by A new Republican-led lobbying group is trying to override its party's disdain for former President Joe Biden's clean energy tax credits in an effort to save trillions of dollars' worth of financial benefits headed to largely red districts. Built for America — led by former West Virginia Lt. Gov. Mitch Carmichael (R) and former Trump campaign adviser Bryan Lanza — launched this month with a $2 million campaign, placing advertisements in conservative platforms like Fox News and Truth Social, writes Timothy Cama. 'Trump country is booming. We're building, hiring and winning in America, because energy tax credits put America first,' one of the ads says. The effort comes as advocates run out of time, and avenues, to defend the clean power provisions before Republicans unravel them in President Donald Trump's megabill. The Senate Finance Committee released new text this week that would do little to save the solar tax credits, disappointing groups that had hoped senators would take a more tolerant stance than their House counterparts. Some GOP senators say there's still time to salvage the credits they favor. But for House Freedom Caucus members, the Senate version doesn't go far enough to kill the tax breaks. They have vowed to vote against the bill unless it more closely mirrors the House-approved deep cuts. Lobbying blitz: The new Senate text reinvigorated the clean energy lobbying effort, which included a rally Tuesday at the Capitol hosted by the Solar Energy Industries Association, the solar industry's biggest trade group. 'Time to storm the Hill!' said Abigail Ross Hopper, the group's CEO. Companies and trade associations have beefed up their lobbying capacity in recent months to fight for the credits they support. They include battery-maker Energizer Holdings, chemical manufacturer Johnson Matthey, the Hydrogen Jobs Now Coalition, battery recycler Ecobat and the Clean Energy Buyers Association. Advanced Energy United, which is backed by major technology firms such as Microsoft and automakers like Ford, launched a six-figure campaign targeting a handful of Senate Republicans with digital ads. 'Repealing these tax credits would devastate local economies, raise energy costs, and hand the keys of energy leadership to China — and the Senate now has a choice to make,' Harry Godfrey, the group's managing director for federal priorities, said in a statement. The anti-tax-credit faction has its advocates, too. GOP lawmakers have publicly thanked fossil fuel activist Alex Epstein for his help in rolling back the credits in the House bill. Epstein, the founder of a for-profit think tank that promotes fossil fuels, wrote on X that the Senate version is a 'sad update.' It's Wednesday — thank you for tuning in to POLITICO's Power Switch. I'm your host, Arianna Skibell. Power Switch is brought to you by the journalists behind E&E News and POLITICO Energy. Send your tips, comments, questions to askibell@ Programming note: We'll be off this Thursday but will be back in your inboxes on Friday. Today in POLITICO Energy's podcast: Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino break down what the Senate proposed in its version of the megabill, how it compares with the House's version and what comes next in the tax credit battle. Power Centers EPA acted illegally in axing grants, court rulesA federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's termination of $600 million in environmental justice grants issued by the Biden administration for low-income areas and communities of color was unlawful, writes Alex Guillén. The ruling comes as the Environmental Protection Agency is separately appealing a ruling that its termination of $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants was also unlawful. Congressional Republicans have proposed rescinding funding for both grant programs as part of their reconciliation bills. Offshore wind's political tightrope walkIn an unusual move, Vineyard Wind declined to comment when the Supreme Court ended a yearslong battle in favor of the Massachusetts offshore wind developer, writes Benjamin Storrow. The lack of comment illustrates how offshore wind companies are trying to navigate a politically tumultuous period under Trump, who has repeatedly voiced his disdain for 'windmills.' As executive orders and regulatory actions designed to halt offshore wind projects have piled up, many developers are advancing projects in relative silence. They are staying quiet even as opponents ratchet up criticism. Death knell for carbon capture?In proposing to repeal Biden's climate rule for power plants, the Trump administration lampooned the measure's reliance on burgeoning technology that captures and stores pollution before it enters the atmosphere, writes Carlos Anchondo. EPA said carbon capture and storage has not been 'adequately demonstrated' and that the cost of deployment is 'not reasonable,' delivering a major setback to a technology that's struggling to find a foothold. In Other News More megabill bites: Senate Republicans are seeking to reward oil drillers amid deep cuts to wind and solar. Is fake grass safe? A manufacturer sues to stop a discussion. Subscriber Zone A showcase of some of our best subscriber content. The Trump administration is shuttering which has for 15 years been a go-to source for information about climate change and the growing threats driven by atmospheric warming. The Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling Wednesday that had threatened to stymie nuclear power plants' ability to store spent nuclear fuel away from their sites as they await a permanent solution for the waste. The Brazilian government is taking bids from companies to explore for oil near the Amazon River as the country also prepares to host this year's international climate talks aimed at shoring up countries' climate commitments. That's it for today, folks! Thanks for reading.
Axios
5 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Trump-y IRA ad push targets six GOP senators
A business-backed group with GOP ties is dropping ads in conservative media that urge six Republican senators to preserve IRA energy tax credits. Why it matters: The $1.5 million buy — details of which were shared exclusively with Axios — expands the new coalition Built for America's Trump-focused campaign to defend the IRA on MAGA grounds. Hundreds of billions of dollars worth of incentives are at stake in the Capitol Hill budget fight — and the outcome will steer the pace of low-carbon energy deployment for years. Driving the news: The group hopes to sway GOP Sens. Todd Young (Ind.), Dave McCormick (Pa.), Jerry Moran (Kan.), John Cornyn (Texas), Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (Idaho), and Thom Tillis (N.C.). The ads tailored to each state say "Trump country is booming" and tout manufacturing and thousands of jobs, then urge the senators to "keep what works." They're running on outlets like Fox, Newsmax, Truth Social, conservative talk radio, state newspapers and more. State of play: The tax-writing Senate Finance Committee released its proposal Monday. It's softer than the House GOP plan for several technologies, including geothermal and CO2 capture. But it would still greatly restrict IRA credits overall. Built for America sees the Senate bill as a step forward, but with more work to be done. And tough negotiations loom with the House. Tillis told reporters he's generally satisfied with the text. Catch up quick: Built for America launched this month with a $2 million, Trump-focused buy that's similarly focused on conservative media. It's not disclosing donors, but backers include players in nuclear, carbon capture, hydrogen, critical minerals, storage and more, it said. The executive director is Mitch Carmichael, a Republican who previously served as West Virginia's lieutenant governor and economic development secretary. Friction point: Another new ad aimed at Trump and lawmakers says that "President Trump has China on the ropes" as manufacturing comes home. "Now, let's finish the job," it says. Zoom out: It's part of wider ad and lobbying campaigns to thwart the House-passed plan. What we're watching: Carmichael is in D.C. Tuesday for meetings with high-level Trump 2.0 officials.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Built for America: GE Appliances Completes $180 Million Expansion at Georgia Plant
Latest milestone brings total investment in U.S. manufacturing to $3.5 billion since 2016 LAFAYETTE, Ga., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- GE Appliances, a Haier company, today announced the completion of an expanded $180 million investment at its Roper Corporation cooking products plant in LaFayette, Georgia underscoring the company's Built for America commitment to U.S. manufacturing and delivering innovation to American homes. This investment includes an additional $60 million above the previously announced total. Since 2016, GE Appliances – currently rated America's #1 Appliance Company* – has invested over $3.5 billion in new technology and products across its U.S. operations, more than any other competitor. "At GE Appliances, we're investing in American manufacturing – right here in Georgia," said Luther Ingram, executive director and plant manager at Roper Corporation. "By combining advanced automation with the skills and dedication of our local team, we're creating high quality jobs, launching breakthrough products, and ensuring that 'Georgia Made' ranges are being shipped to homes across the country." This investment has enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, expanded production capacity, and accelerated the launch of innovative new products—most notably the new GE Profile™ induction range, a more accessible and affordable way for consumers to experience induction cooking. The plant's new, high-volume production lines can produce gas, electric, or induction ranges and flex to meet customer demand. New assembly lines feature advanced manufacturing technology, including robotic cells that assemble glass cooktops, program control boards, and rotate units for easier final assembly. Robotics use has more than tripled at Roper, improving efficiency and employee ergonomics. Workforce development programs, including robotics training for employees, are funded in part by a state grant and delivered in partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College. The combined investment has added more than 600 new jobs to the plant. "Investments by manufacturers such as GE Appliances at Roper Corporation are a major reason why Georgia boasts a gross regional product (GRP) of $678.2 billion, the 8th highest among U.S. states," said Lloyd Avram, president and CEO for the Georgia Association of Manufacturers. "Georgia's manufacturing sector, employing 426,940 production workers, is responsible for $77 billion of that output." Employment and Investment Impact in Georgia In 2024 alone, GE Appliances spent $235 million with 359 Georgia suppliers, and the company employs 2,650 people in Georgia. GE Appliances' operations, employees and suppliers have a $3 billion impact on Georgia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and they have contributed to the creation of 7,500 additional jobs in the state. Opened in 1973, Roper Corporation is the largest employer in Walker County, and one of the largest employers in northwest Georgia. The plant has 15 production lines that produce cooktops, wall ovens and ranges under the Monogram™, Café™, GE Profile™, and GE® brands. The plant is vertically integrated encompassing stamping, paint, enamel, welding, graphics and production – all under one roof. GE Appliances and Roper Corporation are proud participants in the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Georgia Made Program, an initiative that promotes and supports businesses that manufacture products within the state. In 2023, GE Appliances and Roper Corporation celebrated the plant's 50-year legacy of cooking product innovation and dedication to quality and dependability. "Our growth in LaFayette reflects Georgia's vital role in driving U.S. manufacturing forward," Ingram added. "We're not just building appliances—we're building careers, strengthening communities, and powering the future of American industry." About GE Appliances At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make good things, for life. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are a leading U.S. manufacturer of home appliances with 15,500 team members nationwide. GE Appliances, found in half of all U.S. homes, is proud to be rated America's #1 Appliance Company*, trusted by millions of families nationwide. We manufacture and sell products under the Monogram™, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier™, and Hotpoint™ brands. Our operations support nearly 98,000 additional American jobs and represent an investment of more than $3.5 billion since 2016. We are deeply committed to the communities where we live and work, passionate about getting closer to our product users to understand their needs and driven by the belief that there's always a better way. To learn more about our company, brands, career opportunities, and impact, visit or connect with us on LinkedIn. *OpenBrand Consumer Tracking Survey, Q1 – Q4 2024, Based on Volume of Total Majors/MO/RAC – Retail Units Media Contact Dawn Bramblett, Bramblett Group, 731-608-7650, dawn@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bramblett Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Axios
11-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Trump-y ad blitz launched to sway the president on energy credits
A new business-backed group with GOP ties just launched a $2 million, three-week ad blitz to preserve IRA tax credits — and the framing is very Trump-y. Why it matters: It comes during crunch time for hundreds of billions of dollars of tax incentives on the chopping block in the budget reconciliation fight. The big picture: Built for America is placing ads on Fox, Truth Social, Rumble, podcasts and beyond. "Unlike other efforts focused on Congress, Built for America is the only campaign speaking directly to the president and making the case that these energy tax credits are a cornerstone of his pro-worker, pro-growth agenda," the rollout states. State of play: It's not disclosing specific donors, but backers include players in nuclear, carbon capture, hydrogen, critical minerals, storage and more, it said. The executive director is Mitch Carmichael, a Republican who previously served as West Virginia's lieutenant governor and economic development secretary. Republican strategist and former Trump campaign adviser Bryan Lanza is advising the new effort. Driving the news: "Trump country is booming. We're building, hiring and winning in America, because energy tax credits put America first," one of the ads states, touting new jobs and manufacturing. "President Trump, keep what works," it states. Catch up quick: More business interests are pressing the Senate to soften House GOP budget plans that scuttle or restrict IRA energy tax credits. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a new post, is urging preservation of what it calls "pro-growth" credits around hydrogen and clean electricity production. The bottom line: Low-carbon energy industries are increasingly framing their message more around "energy dominance" and less — a lot less — around green goals.
