Joe Biden Announces $7 Billion in Solar Grants for Low-Income Households on Earth Day

By Leira Aquino

Apr 22, 2024 09:38 PM EDT

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks to commemorate Earth Day
President Joe Biden celebrates Earth Day with the launch of a $7 billion solar grant initiative targeting low-income households during his speech at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia.
(Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden has announced on Earth Day  a groundbreaking $7 billion solar grant initiative targeting low-income households.

During a speech at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia, President Biden highlighted the pivotal role of solar energy in combating climate change and reducing energy costs for vulnerable communities. 

Biden's $7B Solar Grants Expected to Alleviate Low-Income Families' Financial Burdens

The $7 billion in grants, a part of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, is expected to create 200,000 jobs and save participating households approximately $400 annually on energy bills, as per a press release.

This initiative not only promotes environmental resilience but also alleviates financial burdens for families struggling with energy costs, particularly in low-income areas.

The grant recipients, including 60 state agencies and nonprofits, will implement programs to facilitate solar adoption among disadvantaged communities, Reuters reported.

These selectees are to provide solar access to over 900,000 low-income and disadvantaged households across the country as part of the President's Investing in America agenda, according to the press release.

READ NEXT: Biden Administration Permits Over 25GW of Clean Energy on Public Lands, Surpassing 2025 Renewable Energy Goal

Biden's 'Solar for All' Initiative

The 'Solar for All' initiative is the final stage of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a $27 billion suite of programs aimed at channeling more clean energy and energy-efficiency investments into lower- and middle-income communities, as reported by Newsweek.

This program, part of the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts, intends to provide solar power access to nearly a million households.

By focusing on areas with high energy expenditure rates and limited renewable energy access, the initiative targets systemic barriers that have historically hindered solar adoption among lower-income Americans.

Moreover, Biden's announcement aligns with broader initiatives to direct a significant portion of federal clean energy investments towards marginalized communities, promoting equity and inclusion in the transition to sustainable energy sources.

READ MORE: California Sets Renewable Energy Record: Solar Power Surges, Exceeds 100% Grid Demand for 30 Days Straight

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