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Georgia’s Republican Politicians Said No, But Took The Dough

June 18, 2024

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Since the passage of the clean energy plan, 40 new clean energy projects have created 29,472 jobs and invested $23.12 billion in Georgia. 32 of Georgia’s 40 projects are in Republican-held districts, representing 82% of all projects in the state, $20.4 billion in investment, and over 19,105 new jobs. Despite these benefits going straight into communities across Georgia, the state’s Republican politicians have voted against, voted to repeal, and consistently attacked the clean energy plan.  

Governor

Governor Brian Kemp

Since the passage of the clean energy plan, Governor Brian Kemp has welcomed 40 new clean energy projects to the state, generating 29,472 new jobs and $23.12 billion in investments. Georgia ranks first in the nation for clean energy jobs and is fast becoming a hub for EV manufacturing, with Kemp touting the state as the “electric mobility capital of America.” However, Kemp has repeatedly criticized the Inflation Reduction Act, saying the landmark legislation “hurt us in a lot of different ways” and even “hurt Georgia more than it’s helping.” 

U.S. House Of Representatives

Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (GA-1)

Represented by Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter, Georgia’s 1st Congressional District has attracted eight new clean energy projects, generating 7,222 new jobs and $7.81 billion in investments. However, Carter voted against the Inflation Reduction Act and claimed the landmark bill was “a bad deal for Georgia and threatens key economic investments that employ thousands of Georgians.” Along with seven other Republican representatives, Carter co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”

Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-3)

Represented by Rep. Drew Ferguson, Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District has attracted four new clean energy projects, generating 1,163 new jobs and $2.9 billion in investments. However, Ferguson voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, falsely claiming, “This bill will not only raise taxes on hardworking Americans, it will result in fewer jobs, reduce lifesaving health care innovation, further squeeze out American energy producers while spending over $350 billion on radical “Green New Deal” initiatives, and further the economic recession.” Along with seven other Republican representatives, Ferguson co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”

Rep. Richard McCormick (GA-6)

Represented by Rep. Richard McCormick, Georgia’s 6th Congressional District has attracted one new clean energy project, which has generated 200 new clean energy jobs and $19 million in investments. When campaigning for his current seat, McCormick criticized the clean energy plan and wrongly claimed, “The bill passed today will not reduce inflation, re-ignite our economy, nor make our country safer, stronger, or more prosperous. This legislation raises taxes, boosts energy prices, grows government.”

Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-9)

Represented by Rep. Andrew Clyde, Georgia’s 9th Congressional District has attracted three new clean energy projects, generating 304 new clean energy jobs and $67 million in investments. Rep. Clyde voted against the clean energy plan and wrongly argued, “As Americans combat a recession and 40-year high inflation, Democrats are doubling down on their failed policies — indisputably wreaking more havoc on Biden’s broken economy. It is unconscionable that Democrats are burning through billions on liberal projects, contributing to our ballooning national debt, and burdening Americans with tax hikes amidst numerous economic crises.” Along with seven other Republican representatives, Clyde co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”

Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10)

Represented by Rep. Mike Collins, Georgia’s 10th Congressional District has attracted four new clean energy projects, generating 410 new clean energy jobs and $141 million in investments. Despite these benefits to his district, Rep. Collins voted to repeal the clean energy plan. 

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11)

Represented by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, Georgia’s 11th Congressional District has attracted three new clean energy projects, generating 5,560 new jobs and $7.48 billion in investments. Rep. Loudermilk voted against the clean energy plan and even co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”

Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12) 

Represented by Rep. Rick Allen, Georgia’s 12th Congressional District has attracted seven new clean energy projects, generating 2,736 new clean energy jobs and $1.46 billion in investments. Rep. Allen voted against the clean energy plan and argued, “The so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ is another bloated Democrat spending bill that will raise taxes at the worst possible time – during a recession! Rather than address the economic crisis they created, President Biden and congressional Democrats are focused on pushing socialist Green New Deal initiatives.” Along with seven other Republican representatives, Allen co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14)

Represented by Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia’s 14th Congressional District has attracted two new clean energy projects, generating 1,110 new clean energy jobs and $515 million in investment. Despite voting against the clean energy plan and continuing to deny climate change, Greene told POLITICO that “we’re excited to have jobs” in response to QCells announcement to invest $2.5 billion in Georgia to expand its solar panel manufacturing plant in Dalton and build a new facility in Bartow County. Along with seven other Republican representatives, Greene co-wrote an op-ed claiming that the law is “full of empty promises that harm some of Georgia’s flagship companies.”