Georgia’s Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit Act

In January 2025, the Georgia House of Representatives introduced the Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit Act (HB 213). This legislation aims to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, focusing on income tax provisions. The bill proposes tax credits for investments in clean energy projects, intending to stimulate the development of renewable energy infrastructure and facilitate Georgia’s transition to a sustainable energy economy.

By offering financial incentives for clean energy investments, HB 213 seeks to bolster economic growth within Georgia’s renewable energy sector. This initiative has the potential to create job opportunities that could benefit underrepresented communities, including Black women. However, it lacks explicit mechanisms to ensure that these benefits are equitably distributed to Black communities or that these communities are empowered through the policy’s implementation.

Analysis

Does the policy solution redistribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black communities?

While HB 213 encourages investments in clean energy, it does not explicitly include provisions to ensure that these investments directly benefit Black communities or shift economic power to them.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power to Black communities?

The legislation focuses on providing tax incentives to businesses without specific measures to involve Black communities in decision-making processes related to clean energy projects.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy?

By incentivizing clean energy investments, HB 213 supports a transition away from fossil fuel dependence, contributing to a more sustainable and regenerative economy. However, the policy does not detail strategies to ensure that this transition empowers local communities, particularly Black communities.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The bill’s focus on clean energy investments can lead to environmental improvements. However, it does not specifically address reparative measures for communities disproportionately affected by environmental injustices or include provisions to uphold civil and human rights within the context of its implementation.