Bridging the Energy Gap: Inside EPA’s Solar for All Program
Thank you for tuning in to Environmental Protection News. The EPA's Solar for All program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, invests $7 billion to provide affordable solar energy to disadvantaged communities, aiming to reduce emissions, energy costs, and support workforce development. EPN Senior Community Outreach Associate, Davina Resto, discusses the benefits of this program and the challenges faced in implementing it. - Aaron Bharucha, EPN Communications Associate
Bridging the Energy Gap: Inside EPA’s Solar for All Program
By: Davina Resto
The Biden/Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative and historic Inflation Reduction Act have been key in getting critically needed resources to disadvantaged communities fighting for environmental and energy justice. Federal agencies from across all sectors are looking to get this money where it needs to go, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has definitely taken up that charge. From $2 billion in Community Change Grants to $27 billion in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), EPA has funded programs aimed at addressing systemic inequities in energy affordability and climate change. Coming out of the GGRF, the Solar for All program marks another historic investment, with $7 billion granted to 60 grantees nationwide.
The Solar for All program hopes to address two critical issues: the disproportionate energy burden low-income communities face and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) low-income communities spend a higher portion of their income on utility bills than wealthier households, finding that 1 in 4 low-income families spend more than 15% of their income on energy bills. Access to affordable energy and environmental justice are intertwined and often affect communities of color the most. Solar energy can play a role not only in climate resilience but also in breaking down the barriers to providing affordable and clean renewable energy where it matters. The program can also bring environmental and economic benefits and drive community development, but how exactly are the Solar for All grantees planning to execute that?
Among the awardees, several groups stand out. The New York State and Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s goal, with over $200 million in funding, is to expand its already successful community solar projects aimed at low-income households while also deploying workforce development programs across the state. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is looking to take a big swing at this program by reducing over 70,000 tons of carbon emissions.
“Solar For All is an unprecedented opportunity to help our low-income, environmental justice and Justice 40 communities, who have been historically underserved by clean energy programs, benefit from renewable, affordable solar energy. Massachusetts’ programs are expected to lower annual carbon emissions by 70,500 tons, reduce energy costs for over 31,000 low-income and disadvantaged households, and support almost 3,000 clean energy jobs. We are excited to put these funds to work to improve health in communities across the state and take our solar programming to the next level,” said Elizabeth Mahoney, Commissioner of Massachusetts DOER.
The Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition, another notable award winner, is looking to build out a program that ”will achieve household energy savings, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and train individuals in solar workforce development programs,” across 8 states and 31 communities. The Midwest Tribal Energy Resource Association (MTERA) plans to develop Tribally-owned residential solar across 35 Tribes in the Midwest.
“High energy costs and frequent outages have long hindered resilience and self-sufficiency in many Tribal communities, affecting daily life and economic potential. The EPA’s Solar for All program is a game changer, empowering Tribes to develop and manage their own solar solutions. This initiative provides not just clean energy; it also supports Tribal sovereignty and equips Tribal communities with the tools to create lasting, community-driven change. At MTERA, we are honored to collaborate with Midwest Tribes to establish a foundation for a sustainable and resilient future—one that reduces emissions and delivers reliable, affordable energy solutions directly to Tribal lands. The impact is significant: We are not only promoting clean energy; we are also nurturing self-determination and a stronger, self-sustaining future for generations to come,” said Vanessa Farley, Director of Tribal Energy Programs, Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA).
In evaluating their success, it’s important to be on the lookout for whether these programs uplift communities by empowering residents and giving them more control of their energy resources. By definition, community-driven solar projects must involve community input. And while the potential benefits to communities are clear, the path forward may not be. The Solar for All program faces many challenges, such as targeting areas where solar is most needed such as rural communities with outdated electrical grid systems, and it stands to be tested if $7 billion will be enough to meet the needs and high costs of solar. But the greatest challenge may be in overcoming potential resistance from utility companies that have long burdened communities with increased rates and have a firm grip on the grid.
Though the journey forward seems challenging, the Solar for All program marks a significant step in the right direction in addressing gaps in energy and environmental justice. As the effects of climate change only increase, programs like Solar For All can ensure that resources get to communities that have been historically left behind.
“When you want to make big changes in your community, you need to work in partnerships with a variety of groups. EPA's Solar for All program encourages government bodies, non-government organizations, and academic institutions to work together. The end result will not only bring clean energy and lower utility bills to underserved communities, but also build a green workforce of skilled laborers, and reduce unemployment. Everyone wins,” said Mardi Klevs, Environmental Protection Network volunteer.
The many innovative and transformative projects coming out of this program, have enormous potential to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and improve people’s health and their quality of life, especially in low-income communities and communities of color.
About Davina Resto: Davina Resto is a Senior Community Outreach Associate with EPN's pro bono capacity-building technical assistance program. Davina concentrates on creating new and deeper connections between disadvantaged communities, EPA alumni with decades of expertise, and other allies to provide assistance to community identified projects in EPA Regions 1 and 2. She also facilitates and leads EPN’s partnerships with Tribes and indigenous people.
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