Special episode: ESG incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act

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The Inflation Reduction Act (the Act), signed into law on August 16, includes a number of green initiatives and incentives – but what are they, and how will they impact businesses? In this special episode, host Heather Horn was joined by Casey Herman and Matt Haskins, specialists in PwC’s ESG groups, to discuss the ESG initiatives that companies will have to consider as part of the Act.

In this episode, you will hear them discuss:

• 2:25 - Background on the Act, and how it is structured to prioritize incentives rather than penalties for green innovation
• 7:58 - An overview of the major areas of credits in the law
• 16:09 - Perspective on the breadth of impact of the Act to the overall economy
• 19:32 - How electricity storage technology is needed to enable broader adoption of renewable electricity
• 26:33 - Examples of how companies in a variety of industries could be impacted by the Act
• 35:34 - The expected impacts of the Act in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• 36:27 - Opportunities for entities not directly involved in generating tax credits to benefit from the Act
• 42:12 - Looking at the social incentives in the Act, and how these unlock additional credit dollars
• 48:24 - Constraints that companies will face as they work to take advantage of the incentives in the Act

For more information about developments in ESG, listen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?

Matt Haskins is a principal in PwC’s Washington National Tax Services, where he leads the firm's Cleantech tax practice, focusing on renewable energy financing and M&A transactions. In addition to writing and speaking on issues in the renewable energy industry, Matt has co-chaired the energy and environmental taxes working group for the US Council on International Business and served as a delegate for key energy initiatives of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Casey Herman is PwC’s US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].