AMHERST, N.Y. — Vice President Kamala Harris visited Western New York on Wednesday to tout the Inflation Reduction Act’s commitment to clean energy.
The measure, signed by President Joe Biden last month, includes the biggest investment into clean energy in U.S. history.
Harris spoke at the University at Buffalo after touring a clean energy center built by students and staff, which is used to teach about the dangers of climate change and how clean energy can change it.
Harris says this generation of students knows climate change better than most.
“You have seen your communities decimated by wildfires, flooded by hurricanes and choked by drought,” she said. “Here in Buffalo, you have watched as toxic algae has spread through Lake Erie. Your generation knows the threat of the climate crisis because you have lived it.”
UB President Satish K. Tripathi released a statement following Harris’ visit, saying:
“It was an incredible privilege to host Vice President Kamala Harris at UB for this historic visit.
“We are honored that the White House chose to come to UB to promote the administration’s investment in climate action through the Inflation Reduction Act, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to share with the vice president the meaningful ways that our students and faculty are bringing their research and scholarship to bear on one of the most monumental challenges of our time.
“Indeed, UB’s selection for the vice president’s visit speaks to both our longstanding commitment to the environment and climate science and our national and international reputation in these domains.
“Our students were so excited to meet with the vice president and discuss how they are using their UB education to work toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Our entire scholarly community very much appreciated Vice President Harris’ impactful visit, and we remain deeply committed, across all of our endeavors, to harnessing our disciplinary expertise for a healthier planet and a more vibrant world.”
This marks the vice president’s second visit to the Western New York area this year. She attended the funeral of Tops shooting victim Ruth Whitfield in May.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
