Harris is promoting investments in a “clean energy economy” on the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Vice President Harris was in Seattle on Tuesday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has become the Biden administration’s key climate and economic law.

Harris focused on the green energy provisions of the law, which include expanded clean energy tax credits and encouraging the expansion of domestic solar and wind power production. Last year, she cast the deciding vote to pass the law.

“It is clear that the clock is not just ticking. It bangs,” Harris said. “And that’s why the President and I made the largest climate investment in American history a year ago.”

The IRA plans to spend around US$375 billion over the next ten years to combat climate change. She cited the bill’s $1 trillion investment in a “clean energy economy,” including job creation.

“We’re creating millions of high-paying clean energy jobs,” Harris told the crowd. “We’re rebuilding America’s manufacturing. And we are driving American innovation — something this state knows so well.”

The vice president’s focus is on climate as northwest Washington is experiencing a severe heatwave, prompting warnings of excessive heat for the region.

“Here in Washington state, of course, you’ve seen deadly heat waves and devastating wildfires. And across our country, we see communities choked by drought, inundated by floods, and decimated by hurricanes,” she said.

A protester interrupted Harris during her speech, criticizing her and the Biden administration for not doing enough to combat climate change.

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“We are in the middle of a climate emergency. Eighty people have died in Hawaii, thousands have been displaced by climate chaos,” the protester shouted. “The planet is burning and people are dying.”

She shrugged off the interruption and continued without answering factually.

Harris attended a fundraiser for her reelection campaign after the speech, hosted by Microsoft President Brad Smith. Plates started at $5,000, according to the Seattle Times.

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