St. Pete Catalyst Published By Mark Parker
A national nonprofit recently awarded U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor for her “critical efforts to redefine the nation’s climate agenda,” something she pledged to continue as St. Petersburg’s voice in Washington, D.C.
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) named Castor it’s 2023 Renewable Energy Champion Wednesday. She received the award during the organization’s annual gala at Washington Union Station.
Following the ceremony, Castor called the recognition “particularly meaningful” as it coincided with “the most environmentally important Congress” in the nation’s history. She noted federal legislators passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act last year.
“So, there were a lot of people working to get a lot of climate legislation across the finish line,” Castor said. “I really accepted the award on behalf of my entire team, who worked with me at the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.”
Castor – who now represents Tampa, downtown St. Petersburg and other parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties – was selected to chair the committee in 2018. Members authored the Solving the Climate Crisis report, which features a comprehensive list of policy recommendations.
Over 300 of the report’s proposals became law through the three pieces of legislation. She said the Select Committee’s focus was developing clean energy and environmental resilience policies that create high-paying jobs and support communities.
Castor relayed that people can now save up to $7,500 on a new or $4,000 on a used electric vehicle through the IRA. She also pledged that public transportation, school buses, and postal trucks would switch to electric motors in the coming years.
In addition, she said expanding solar projects would provide cheaper energy.
“That means cleaner air and a cleaner Tampa Bay,” Castor added. “Awards are nice, but really seeing the benefits and cost savings on the ground – that’s what is particularly gratifying.” Read more
