Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
Today, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was announced as a recipient of $249.8 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Solar for All grant program. The funding will be utilized to develop sustainable solar programs for low-income and disadvantaged communities in New York. The grant is part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, with the aim of reducing energy costs, creating jobs, promoting environmental justice, and addressing climate change.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “Today we’re delivering on President Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities.” This initiative is projected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, save $8 billion in energy costs, improve air quality, and combat climate change.
Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia emphasized the importance of delivering clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities through the Solar for All program, stating, "This grant will help communities across New York access solar power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while benefiting from programs that will provide good paying jobs.”
The Solar for All program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs and promoting union participation in the clean energy sector. It is estimated that this $7 billion investment will generate around 200,000 jobs nationwide, with a focus on workforce development programs to offer equitable pathways to sustainable employment.
Furthermore, the Solar for All program aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, aiming to direct 40% of federal climate, clean energy, housing, and other investments to marginalized communities. The program's ultimate goal is to achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
The selection of NYSERDA as a grant recipient is part of a larger effort by the EPA, with a total of $5.5 billion awarded to 49 state-level projects, over $500 million to serve Tribes, and approximately $1 billion for multistate initiatives. The initiative is expected to enable over 900,000 households in low-income areas to benefit from solar energy, resulting in significant cost savings on electric bills and a reduction of carbon emissions.
The Solar for All program is set to bring positive impacts to disadvantaged communities by providing access to clean energy, creating jobs, and contributing to a more sustainable future. The EPA anticipates finalizing awards in the summer of 2024, with selected applicants commencing funding projects and community outreach programs later in the year.
