lower API rate usage by enabling git-powered comparison

[jakecoffman]

What are you trying to accomplish?

We have been running into the API rate limit, so this is a way we can lower our usage.

Anything you want to highlight for special attention from reviewers?

No

How will you know you've accomplished your goal?

Maybe we'll hit the rate limit less.

Checklist

• I have run the complete test suite to ensure all tests and linters pass.
• I have thoroughly tested my code changes to ensure they work as expected, including adding additional tests for new functionality.
• I have written clear and descriptive commit messages.
• I have provided a detailed description of the changes in the pull request, including the problem it addresses, how it fixes the problem, and any relevant details about the implementation.
• I have ensured that the code is well-documented and easy to understand.