The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) will be receiving $86,600,000 to develop long-lasting solar programs for low-income and disadvantaged communities in Oregon. This funding is part of the Solar for All grant competition, which is a component of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "President Biden committed to making the largest investment in our nation’s history to combat global climate change. Our announcement today ensures every community has a green energy future."
ODOE Director Janine Benner expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “The Oregon Department of Energy is thrilled to be part of a coalition bringing significant solar dollars to our state.”
The Solar for All program aims to enable over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from distributed solar energy, resulting in annual savings of over $350 million on electric bills for these households. Additionally, it is estimated that the program will reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions over five years.
The selected applicants, including ODOE, are committed to reducing climate and air pollution, delivering benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities, and mobilizing financing to promote affordable solar energy. The program also aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, directing 40% of certain federal investments to marginalized and overburdened communities.
EPA anticipates that the awards to the selected applicants, including ODOE, will be finalized in the summer of 2024, with projects expected to commence later in the year. The agency will also host informational webinars to ensure public transparency regarding the Solar for All program.
