Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
BOSTON (April 22, 2024) - The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that The Maine Governor's Energy Office will receive over $62 million to deliver residential solar, lower energy costs, and advance environmental justice across Maine. This funding is part of the Solar for All grant competition under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, created to address climate change and support communities in need.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan expressed the administration's commitment by 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."
David W. Cash, EPA New England Regional Administrator, highlighted the significance of the Solar for All program, saying, "Today, across the United States, we are celebrating more than just Earth Day; we are celebrating Solar for All—a significant step forward in our commitment to equitable energy access and environmental justice."
The Maine Governor's Energy Office's program, MESA, plans to use the funding to implement various financial assistance programs that cater to the specific needs of low-income and disadvantaged households, including on-site solar programs and support for community solar initiatives. By incorporating energy storage and providing technical assistance, MESA aims to build resilience and maximize the benefits of solar energy for these communities.
Overall, the Solar for All program seeks to enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from distributed solar energy, leading to significant cost savings and reductions in carbon emissions. The investment of $7 billion is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The selected applicants, including The Maine Governor's Energy Office, are part of a larger effort to advance environmental justice, create jobs, and combat climate change through solar energy initiatives. The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to equitable energy access and sustainable practices is reflected in these investments, which align with goals to achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
As the Solar for All program progresses, EPA anticipates finalizing awards to selected applicants in the summer of 2024, with projects set to launch later in the year. Informational webinars will be held to provide transparency and engage the public in the initiatives aimed at expanding affordable solar energy access and promoting environmental sustainability.
