Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget has been selected to receive $156.1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Solar for All grant program. This funding will be utilized to develop sustainable solar programs benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities in Puerto Rico. According to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, this investment aligns with President Biden's commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to clean energy.
The EPA estimates that the Solar for All program will enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs, and lower energy costs for families. Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia highlighted that the grant will help Puerto Rican communities access solar power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing opportunities for well-compensated employment.
Furthermore, the Solar for All program is part of the broader Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which was established under the Inflation Reduction Act to address climate change, advance environmental justice, and create economic opportunities in underserved areas. The program will not only reduce emissions but also enhance the resilience of power sources in Puerto Rico, particularly important given the region's vulnerability to grid outages.
In addition to the $156.1 million allocated to Puerto Rico, EPA announced a total of $5.5 billion in grants to 49 state-level awardees, $500 million to six Tribes, and approximately $1 billion to five multistate initiatives. The selected applicants are committed to achieving the program's objectives of reducing pollution, benefiting low-income communities, and mobilizing financing for solar energy projects.
The Solar for All program is a significant step towards achieving the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of creating high-quality jobs and promoting clean energy across the United States. By investing in local workforce development programs and partnering with unions, the initiative aims to expand equitable pathways to sustainable employment for communities in need.
The EPA will continue to provide public transparency through informational webinars and engagements to ensure the success of the Solar for All program. The selected applicants are expected to finalize their projects in the summer of 2024, with community outreach programs set to launch later in the year, pending the resolution of any administrative disputes.
For more information and updates on the Solar for All program, interested parties can follow EPA Region 2 on their website and Facebook page.
