The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the recipients of a substantial $7 billion grant initiative aimed at bolstering solar energy in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Part of President Biden’s broader Investing in America agenda, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative falls under the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
A total of 60 selectees, including states, territories, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations, will benefit from the Solar for All program. This initiative is designed to fund the development of sustainable residential solar projects across the nation, targeting over 900,000 households. The overarching goal is to reduce energy costs, generate quality jobs in underserved areas, and promote environmental justice while addressing the pressing issue of climate change.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked, with the investment expected to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and save families an estimated $8 billion in energy costs. Additionally, the projects are projected to improve air quality and contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.
Echoing the sentiment, John Podesta, the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, highlighted solar energy as the most cost-effective form of electricity currently available. He pointed out that the Solar for All grants would extend the financial benefits of solar energy to economically disadvantaged groups, which have historically been marginalized in terms of energy savings.
Moreover, Adrianne Todman, Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), noted that the grants would enhance energy efficiency and increase climate resilience in affordable housing across the U.S. The initiative aims to lower monthly utility bills and reduce air pollution, thereby fostering healthier community environments.
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