Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
BOSTON (April 22, 2024) - In a significant move to advance environmental justice and lower energy costs, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced that the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources will receive over $156 million to deliver residential solar projects. This funding is part of the Solar for All grant competition under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, established to address climate change and support disadvantaged communities.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized 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."
Echoing the sentiment, EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash highlighted the broader impact 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."
Governor Maura Healey commended Massachusetts' proactive approach, stating, "The Inflation Reduction Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fund state climate action, and Massachusetts is leading the pack once again."
The Solar for All program aims to empower low-income and disadvantaged communities by providing access to solar energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating good-quality jobs. The Massachusetts SFA Program will offer various initiatives to maximize participation and impact in historically underserved communities, including zero-interest loans, affordable housing procurement, and workforce training.
The $156 million grant for Massachusetts is part of a larger $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which seeks to lower energy costs, promote environmental justice, and combat the climate crisis. The program will not only benefit households economically but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and advancing the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Through the Solar for All initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to fulfill its commitment to creating high-quality jobs and achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. The selected applicants, including Massachusetts, will play a crucial role in expanding equitable access to clean energy and supporting communities that have been historically marginalized.
The awards for the Solar for All program are expected to be finalized in the summer of 2024, with projects set to commence later in the year. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and inclusive energy future for all Americans.
