By Alejandra Flores
The U.S. EPA decision to claw back $7 billion in federal Solar for All grants awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act, is a setback for hardworking families who are saving money through these grants and to the vision of a clean energy future that includes everyone.
Revoking these funds will impact everyone, particularly low- and moderate-income households, stall progress on renewable energy, and weaken our energy security just as electricity demand is surging nationwide.
At a time when our grid is under increasing strain and energy costs are soaring, we should be doubling down on proven affordable energy solutions for working families. States across the country have already deployed funds to build impactful solar programs aimed at lowering energy bills for families. Terminating their grants midstream not only wastes tax-payers money, but it strips the communities of promised relief at a time when energy affordability is critical.
This attempt to terminate these grants will place additional pressure on communities and organizations working to lower utility costs, drive job growth, and create economic opportunities. It will force many families to choose between paying their electric bill or putting food on the table. A commitment was made to deliver energy relief; walking away now would undermine public trust and delay the support that families are counting on.
As a nonprofit committed to expanding access to affordable, renewable energy, Elevate will continue working to develop programs and initiatives that help communities access clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water.
Elevate is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago and working nationally. Elevate seeks to create a just and equitable world in which everyone has clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities. Our goal is to transform clean energy by expanding its benefits and services while making them more accessible than ever before. We are deploying reliable and affordable clean energy solutions so that every community has access to renewable energy. For more information about Elevate visit elevatenp.org.
Alejandra Flores writes on behalf of Elevate.