WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $7 billion Solar for All competitive grant program to help low-income communities across the U.S. install residential solar panels.
“This historic investment underscores the Biden administration’s unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable energy future for all Americans,” said Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook.
“This initiative not only accelerates the critical transition to renewable energy required to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis but also ensures that the benefits of this transition reach those who need them most,” he said.
The $7 billion in Solar for All grants are paid for via the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. The program will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities and eligible nonprofits.
The grants will create and expand solar programs that will provide financing and technical assistance, such as workforce development, to help low-income and disadvantaged communities benefit from residential solar, the EPA says.
The grant amounts range between $25 million and $400 million. Those who are eligible have until Sept. 26 to apply for them through EPA’s website.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) successfully included language in the IRA to create the historic $7 billion solar grants program. He joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan at an event today in Waterbury, Vt., to announce the program while touring a residential solar project.
“We applaud President Joe Biden, Administrator Regan and Sen. Sanders for their tireless leadership in advancing the clean energy revolution and look forward to watching the positive impacts that the Solar for All program will bring to low-income households across the country,” said Cook.
The news about the EPA’s trail-blazing rooftop solar program comes as states like California and North Carolina, at the behest of for-profit electric utilities, have slashed the financial incentives for residents in both states that gave them access to their respective residential solar programs for working families.
“Let’s be clear. Across the country, electric utilities are waging all-out regulatory warfare against rooftop solar, which they view as a competitive threat,” said Cook. “Utilities peg their opposition to the disingenuous claim that rooftop solar disadvantages low-income households.
“We must not allow power companies to stymie President Biden’s initiative, which has the potential to democratize rooftop solar while undermining rear-guard efforts to maintain their monopoly power.”
###
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action
