BOSTON (April 22, 2024) - The Biden-Harris Administration, in celebration of Earth Day, has announced that the Executive Office of the State of New Hampshire will receive over $43.5 million to deliver residential solar programs aimed at lowering energy costs and advancing environmental initiatives.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan expressed, "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."
The funding is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, established under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, to lower energy costs, create jobs, promote environmental justice, and combat climate change.
New Hampshire Department of Energy Commissioner Jared Chicoine shared his enthusiasm, stating, "New Hampshire is excited to have been selected for this funding that will help Granite Staters."
The initiative, known as Solar for All, aims to provide clean energy access and environmental justice. EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash highlighted, "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 $7 billion investment in solar energy is projected to save over $8 billion in energy costs for families, create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and foster cleaner air. Additionally, the program aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative to direct benefits to marginalized communities.
The selected recipients, including the Executive Office of the State of New Hampshire, are part of a larger group of awardees totaling approximately $5.5 billion for states, over $500 million for Tribes, and around $1 billion for multistate initiatives.
The Solar for All program will not only bring economic benefits and job opportunities but also contribute to the administration's goal of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
The recipients are committed to reducing climate and air pollution, benefiting low-income communities, and mobilizing financing for affordable solar energy deployment. The awards are expected to be finalized in the summer of 2024, with projects commencing later in the year.
In line with the commitment to transparency, EPA will host informational webinars, including a Solar for All webinar on Monday, April 29, 2024, to provide more details on the program and engage with the public.
