By Blake Jackson
The Biden-Harris Administration, in celebration of Earth Day, announced significant funding for solar energy initiatives through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Solar for All grant competition.
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) has been awarded over $156 million to develop sustainable solar programs benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. This funding, part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower energy costs, create jobs, promote environmental justice, and address climate change.
In Pennsylvania, PEDA, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Green Capital Corporation, will receive $159 million to implement residential solar technology and storage upgrades in underserved areas across the state.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the administration's commitment to inclusive clean energy initiatives, projecting significant savings on energy bills for overburdened households and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
The Solar for All program aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, directing 40% of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities. It also supports the administration's goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Over 900,000 households in low-income communities are expected to benefit from distributed solar energy, resulting in annual savings exceeding $350 million on electric bills.
Moreover, the program is anticipated to generate approximately 200,000 jobs nationwide, promoting workforce development and union engagement in the clean energy sector. At least 35% of selected applicants have already partnered with local or national unions, emphasizing the administration's commitment to equitable economic opportunities.
The Solar for All program involves 60 selected applicants across states, territories, and tribal communities, all committed to reducing climate and air pollution, delivering benefits to low-income populations, and mobilizing financing for affordable solar energy deployment. These initiatives include expanding existing programs and launching new ones to open markets for distributed solar in underserved regions.
The selection process involved rigorous review by experts from various government agencies to ensure transparency, ethics, and alignment with program objectives. Final awards are expected to be finalized in the summer of 2024, with project implementation and community outreach commencing thereafter, subject to administrative resolution.
To promote public transparency, EPA will host informational webinars, including one specifically for the Solar for All program on April 29, 2024. These webinars aim to engage stakeholders and provide updates on program implementation and opportunities for involvement.
Overall, the Solar for All initiative represents a significant step towards equitable clean energy access, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Pennsylvania, Energy, Government & Policy