In a news conference last Friday, U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui called climate change the defining challenge of our time.
Matsui, a Democrat from Sacramento, held the Nov. 4 news conference in a residential neighborhood in South Sacramento to discuss how the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 can work on the ground to support energy independence and combat climate change.
The Inflation Reduction Act targets $369 billion toward energy security and climate change investments. The money will be delegated over 10 years with a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
Matsui and officials from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District showcased how existing SMUD programs helped make a retired nurse’s home much more energy efficient, which is the kind of work the Inflation Reduction Act can fund.
“What we do in Washington really makes a difference in Sacramento,” Matsui said.
She said climate change is not some academic exercise, as seen by the increasing local effects of drought, wildfires and atmospheric rivers.
The act will fund tax rebates and energy conservation programs like the ones that SMUD has shown already work, she said.
Under existing SMUD programs, homeowners can get free upgrades like insulation, electric appliances, new electric heat pumps and solar power, and also get it installed for free. Upgrades can range from converting from a gas to electric stove for under $1,000, to $20,000 worth of work to install a laundry list of new systems.
The Inflation Reduction Act approved this year is the “largest climate investment in our history,” Matsui said, calling it “a transformational piece of legislation.”
In addition to being free to the homeowner, the upgrades save a significant amount of money over time through efficiencies.
“This is money in your pocket, and you are doing good,” Matsui said.
There are politicians who downplay climate change, citing the efforts to combat it as an economic challenge, said Sacramento Councilmember Eric Guerra. He said these SMUD programs show that combating climate change creates jobs and employs contractors and electricians.
Dave Tamayo, a member of the SMUD board of directors, said the utility is focused on upgrading efficiency of its customers, and not just those who can afford to spend the money.
“We are not going to address climate change and leave communities behind,” Tamayo said.
Barbara Currie, a retired nurse from a cardiac program at a local hospital, used SMUD programs to make her home all electric. She also got a heat pump system, insulation, a new refrigerator, duct work, electric panel that is electric vehicle charger-ready and ceiling fan.
“It’s a cleaner, safer and healthier home,” said Darin Schrum, a SMUD supervisor of its residential upgrade programs.
For people who qualify under low-income programs, the upgrades are free, Schrum said.
The cost of the work varies by home and neighborhood. In addition to the free appliances and materials, the cost of installation is also free to the homeowner. The work on many older homes ranges between a value of $10,000 to $20,000. Schrum said once one home in a neighborhood gets the work, the rest of the neighbors start to get interested in applying for the programs.
The upgrades can include replacing older heater and air conditioning systems with an electric heat pump, which is more efficient, cheaper and doesn’t use any natural gas.
SMUD is working to have its energy supply zero-carbon by 2030 to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. By converting residential properties to all electric, the district is also helping to reduce greenhouse gases by eliminating natural gas for home heating, cooking and hot water.
