The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $156 million to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) under the Solar for All Program. This initiative aims to develop enduring solar programs benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities in New Jersey. The funding is part of EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, established through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
During a recent event at a rooftop community solar site in Edison, N.J., EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia, Rep. Frank Pallone, and NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy underscored the transformative potential of this grant for New Jersey communities. They highlighted its role in reducing energy costs for families, creating jobs in underserved areas, advancing environmental justice, and addressing climate change.
“EPA’s Solar for All initiative will help ensure that clean energy solutions reach and benefit the communities most affected by climate change,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This grant will enable New Jersey communities to adopt solar power, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs.”
Senator Cory Booker emphasized the impact of this investment: “The EPA’s $156 million investment in New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities is a game-changer that will help low-income and disadvantaged communities have access to clean, renewable solar energy.” He added that this funding was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Congressman Frank Pallone also expressed his support: “Projects like the one in Edison are exactly what I envisioned when I fought to include these critical climate investments in the Inflation Reduction Act.” He noted that such initiatives make clean energy accessible while creating jobs and saving families money.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy stated that New Jersey's award would result in significant emissions reductions and substantial savings on energy bills for thousands of low-income households.
The NJBPU has designed its Solar for All program to overcome barriers preventing low-income households from adopting solar energy. The funding will support various projects including residential solar installations, multi-family housing solar systems, community solar projects serving residential areas, technical assistance, and workforce development initiatives.
A current project under construction by Solar Landscape on a building owned by Prologis serves as an example of what can be achieved with this funding. The 2.82-megawatt capacity system is expected to serve about 440 local households with over half being low-to-moderate income homes.
New Jersey is among 49 state-level recipients receiving approximately $5.5 billion under the EPA Solar for All program. Additionally, six awards totaling over $500 million were given to Tribes and five multistate awards amounting to around $1 billion were distributed.
The EPA estimates that these funds will enable over 900,000 households across low-income and disadvantaged communities to benefit from distributed solar energy while generating more than $350 million annually in electric bill savings. Over five years, this program aims to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 30 million metric tons through four gigawatts of unlocked solar capacity for low-income areas.
Furthermore, Solar for All supports job creation with an estimated 200,000 positions across the country focused on local clean energy workforce development programs designed to provide equitable employment opportunities within these communities.
Aligned with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative—which ensures 40% of federal climate-related benefits flow to marginalized communities—the entire fund allocation will be invested in low-income regions helping achieve broader goals such as a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050.
Statements from various officials reinforced their commitment towards expanding access to renewable energies while ensuring inclusivity:
“As we transition into a clean-energy economy it is critically important all communities reap its benefits,” said Shawn M LaTourette Commissioner at NJDEP adding how such projects improve air quality public health besides reducing costs creating local jobs.
NJ Senator Bob Smith pointed out how federal funds would aid expansion within growing industry core comprehensive strategy tackling crisis head-on;
NJ Senator Patrick Diegnan emphasized importance providing necessary funds lowering costs enhancing air quality simultaneously creating thousands good-paying jobs addressing ongoing crisis;
Assemblyman Robert J Karabinchak stressed major win expanding access investing cleaner healthier environment fostering stronger economy;
Assemblyman Sterley S Stanley praised efforts securing crucial funds protecting residents transitioning sustainable affordable production forms;
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi welcomed historic spur investment especially benefiting town residents;
Solar Landscape President Mark Schottinger highlighted shovel-ready nature commercial rooftop installations emphasizing real-world benefits today;
Prologis SVP Mike Sacro discussed emission reduction customer benefits improved grid resilience planned installations majority benefitting moderate incomes;
Ed Potosnak Executive Director NJ League Conservation Voters praised grant advancement healthier financial savings insecure regions estimating meeting future capacity needs applauding Governor Murphy BPU staff pursuit advancing healthier cleaner environments,
Anjuli Ramos-Busot Sierra Club NJ Chapter Director acknowledged selection noting just inclusive transitions highlighting hope continued similar investments ensuring right rather privilege
More information available via EPA Region-2 official platforms
24-069
