President Biden recently announced $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects serving over 900,000 low- and middle-income households. These grants are part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solar for All program, which aims to reduce climate change and air pollution.
The grants can be used for investments such as rooftop solar and community solar gardens. The projects are expected to reduce emissions by the equivalent of 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households $350 million annually.
Biden also plans to expand his New Deal-style American Climate Corps green jobs training program. The program offers nearly 2,000 corps positions across 36 states, including jobs in partnership with the North American Building Trades Unions.
Solar energy is gaining traction as a key renewable energy source that could reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. The grants are intended to make solar energy more accessible for many Americans, especially disadvantaged and low-income communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
The taxpayer-funded green bank has faced Republican opposition and concerns over accountability for how the money gets used. However, the Biden administration believes that these programs can create economic opportunities, save people money, and improve their quality of life.
