Democrats mark Inflation Reduction Act anniversary

Bennet, Polis, Caraveo and Pettersen tout green investments in Brighton

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Colorado Democrats wanted to mark the one-year anniversary of the federal In ation Reduction Act’s passage and the boon it’s been for investment in green energy so they came to Brighton, site of two major green energy projects announced this year.

“Colorado had a big hand not only in passing this bill but in shaping it and writing it,” U.S. Senator Michael Bennet said the press conference, anked by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado’s two rst-year Congresswomen, District 8 Representative Yadira Caraveo and District 7 Representative Brittany Pettersen.

“Because we passed that bill one year ago, the United States is better positioned than any country in the world to lead a global transition to on energy. And Colorado is better poised than any other state in America to lead that transition.”

Brighton has seen two major green energy manufacturers announce plans to build. In March, e 775,000-square-foot building would be home to 332 net new jobs in Brighton with an average annual wage of $68,516. e Colorado O ce of Economic Development and International Trade announced in June that VSK Energy Inc. would expand into Brighton, bringing as many as 900 new jobs to the area. e company makes solar photovoltaic modules for energy-collecting solar panels. e company plans to move into the 76 Commerce Center, a row of warehouses along Interstate 76 just north of Brighton’s 160th Avenue, in 2024. ose two new projects join Vestas Blades’ manufacturing plant just north of the city. Danish-based manufacturer Vestas-American Wind Technology announced in 2021 plans to layo 280 workers at the East Crown Prince Boulevard location.

Fremont, Calif.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer Amprius announced plans to open a factory in the city’s vacant Sears/KMart distribution center on Bromley Lane.

“ is company has faced a lot of uncertainty over the years as Washington has kind of gone back and forth on incentives,” Sen. Bennet said. “But now it’s going to spend $40 million to upgrade its Windsor and Brighton factories where it

“With the northern metro area growing so much, investments in this area of the state are particularly important.” e In ation Reduction Act of 2022, initially called the Build Back Better Act, was passed by congress and signed by President Biden on Aug. 16, 2022. e bill was passed solely by Democrats, with no Republicans in either the house or the senate supporting it. e act allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices in hopes of lower costs, imposed a corporate tax on rado. Swiss Company Meyer Burger announced a high performance solar cell manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs in July and Holy Cross Energy, the electric utility for much of Western Colorado, expanded the incentives for its solar energy expansion program. e program was initially meant to help lower income residents and the company expanded it to include moderate income residents.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis discuss the impact the federal Inflation Reduction Act has had on green energy investments in Colorado during an Aug. 2 press conference in Brighton’s Founders Plaza.

“Holy Cross was able to meet its