Cliff Feigenbaum’s Post

Climate equity must be at the forefront of how we address climate change. 🌎 Fortunately, the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) has issued a new report quantifying the immense potential of the #SolarForAll program. ☀ The report showed that across 35 states, 700,000 (!) low-income households stand to benefit from increased access to #solarpower . 🏡 Solar for All stems from the #inflationreductionact 's authorization of the EPA to jumpstart a major investment in combating climate change to the tune of $27 billion. 💰 As part of that investment, $7 billion was set aside in grants for Solar for All (which include recipients from tribal governments, municipalities and nonprofits) , with the intent of upping access to affordable, clean solar energy across our nation, regardless of a household’s financial status. This new report puts a number to that increased access, one that highlights an historic move towards accelerating an equitable and just clean energy transition. 👏 #climatechange #climateaction #solarpower #solarenergy #epa #climateequity

Biden's 'Solar for All' Initiative Empowers Low-Income Families with Affordable Energy** ☀️In a landmark move to address energy inequity, President Joe Biden unveiled the recipients of the Solar for All program, allocating a staggering $7 billion to bring residential solar power to underserved communities. Here's what you need to know: ☀️Empowering Low-Income Communities**: The Solar for All initiative aims to bridge the gap in clean energy access by providing grants to 60 organizations. These funds will support the installation of rooftop and community solar systems in low-income neighborhoods, benefiting an estimated 900,000 households. ☀️Financial Relief: For many low-income families, energy costs can consume up to 30% of their income. By reducing energy bills through solar installations, the program aims to alleviate this burden, potentially saving families an average of $400 annually. ☀️Scaling Impact: The selected recipients, chosen through rigorous review processes, will use the funding to establish and expand solar programs nationwide. This initiative not only addresses immediate financial challenges but also contributes to broader climate goals and job creation. ☀️Advancing Justice and Sovereignty: Biden's Justice40 Initiative ensures that at least 40% of climate investments benefit frontline communities. Moreover, the Solar for All program allocates $500 million specifically for tribal governments, empowering Indigenous communities to pursue energy sovereignty and transition to renewable energy. ☀️Transformative Legacy: With substantial funding directed towards tribal nations, Solar for All paves the way for a shift from extractive energy to regenerative systems. Indigenous-led initiatives, such as the Northern Plains Tribal Coalition, stand to benefit immensely, laying the groundwork for future generations' energy independence and environmental stewardship. This initiative represents a crucial step towards a more equitable and sustainable energy future, where clean energy is accessible to all. ☀️💚 #SolarForAll #CleanEnergy #EnergyEquity #ClimateJustice #RenewableFuture #EnergySovereignty #DrAlaaInsights #PV🌱🏡

President Joe Biden celebrates Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects benefiting over 900,000 households in low- and middle-income communities. This initiative not only promotes clean energy but also addresses climate change, contrasting with Republican opposition. Biden's focus on renewable energy includes expanding the American Climate Corps green jobs training program, engaging young voters, and reducing carbon emissions. The grants, awarded by the EPA, aim to cut 30 million metric tons of CO2 and save households $350 million annually. Solar energy offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, enhancing grid reliability. Despite initial costs, these grants support investments like rooftop and community solar projects, fostering environmental and economic benefits. Let's embrace solar power for a greener future! ☀️ #earthday #solarenergy #renewablefuture #solarpower #solarindustry #rooftopsolar #solarrooftop #cleanenergy

As the world grapples with the urgent need for #Sustainable energy solutions, #SolarProjects aren't just about generating power— they're key to empowering communities and advancing social equity. Real estate can become a sustainable resource for the benefit of the community. Dive deeper into the challenges and triumphs that shaped this #CommunitySolar project from Inside Climate News: https://bit.ly/3X9Czsc #RenewableEnergy #energyefficiency #CatalyzeEnergy #CatalyzeRenewables #distributedenergy

Energy Transition and the Expansion of Renewable Alternatives Reignites Age Old Battles Over Land Use and “Not-In-My-Backyard”, Driving the Need for Effective Community Engagement to Balance Technological Advancements and Societal Perceptions Regarding Impacts & Equity.

The U.S. state of Illinois, where CUC is located, is sparking a transformation. The new $30 million Climate Works initiative is more than just about clean energy-it’s about creating opportunities and a sustainable future for the community and planet. This initiative also fuels Illinois’ mission for 100% clean energy by 2050. With more than 1,000 solar energy jobs set to ignite on Chicago’s South and West sides, this project will train and empower workers for long-term success in the green economy. In addition to addressing climate change, the project also ensures that historically underserved areas are part of the renewable energy revolution, with the chance to thrive in the emerging clean energy landscape. #GreenFuture #SolarJobs #CleanEnergy #EmpowerChicago #EconomicJustice #SustainableCareers #ClimateAction #ChicagoStrong #SolarInnovation #IllinoisEnergy #ClimateWorks

🌍 The Future of Energy is Local and Equitable ☀️ Interconnection and community solar are the twin pillars of our clean energy future—but how we implement them matters. In theory, community solar projects are about sharing the benefits of renewable energy with everyone. In practice, if we aren’t intentional, the process can replicate the very inequalities we’re trying to dismantle. 🌱 Interconnection delays and costly upgrades can disproportionately harm smaller, community-based projects—especially in Black, Brown, and low-income communities. These are the very communities that stand to gain the most from cheaper energy, improved health outcomes, and resilience to climate change. So, how do we make sure everyone can access clean energy? - Streamline the interconnection process to prioritize equity. Let’s reduce barriers for underserved communities. - Lower costs for community solar developers who serve low-income areas. It's time for policy changes that support the communities that need it most. - Center marginalized voices in decision-making processes. Equity isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation. Clean energy is for everyone. Let’s ensure our solutions reflect that. #EquityInAction #CommunitySolar #ClimateJustice #EnergyForAll #CleanEnergyTransition

BREAKING: On Monday (which by the way is Earth Day), EPA is expected to announce the recipients of the $7B #SolarforAll grants, which is part of the $27B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund program. These monies will provide access to #solar in low-income and disadvantaged communities—enabling millions of low-income households to access affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy!

Great article in City Limits highlighting New York's success deploying rooftop and community solar. The message is clear: now is the time for Albany to raise New York's distributed solar goal and advance no-regrets policies that drive down costs and accelerate deployment #20X35 https://lnkd.in/gbsJpFwP Shout out to T.R. Ludwig of Brooklyn SolarWorks, Patrick McClellan of New York League of Conservation Voters and Daniel Chu of New York City Environmental Justice Alliance for their insightful contributions to the article! Daniel Chu had the final word: “Given that the state’s other [renewable energy goals] are super behind, why not double down or emphasize what has actually been working to help us still achieve the climate mandates that the state has.” https://lnkd.in/epTtRT65 New York State Executive Chamber New York State Assembly New York State Senate New York State Department of Public Service NYSERDA NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Solar Energy Industries Association Vote Solar Solar One Coalition for Community Solar Access

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), solar energy is becoming more accessible for low-income households and nonprofits. A new financing model allows tax-exempt entities, like churches or community organizations, to install solar without upfront costs. The WATTS WILLOWBROOK CHURCH OF CHRIST in Compton, California, recently installed a 12kW solar array, saving over $180,000 in electricity costs over 20 years. This model, known as Direct Pay, offers up to 70% cash back on clean energy projects, reducing costs and accelerating solar adoption. Nonprofits like RE-volv finance the system, with recipients paying lower monthly costs than their previous electricity bills. This innovative approach unlocks solar for those previously unable to afford it, creating ripple effects across communities. As more organizations adopt this model, solar energy is set to become more accessible than ever. #solarpower #inflationreductionact #cleanenergy #climateaction #renewableenergy #communityimpact