Idaho Sierra Club
Boise, ID - Over one hundred folks rallied at the Idaho State Capitol on Aug. 17 to celebrate historic funding for Idaho clean energy initiatives while calling on state regulators and leaders to embrace solar energy. In the background of historic heatwaves, environmentalists and social activists said solar energy is a critical tool for fighting climate change while delivering affordable energy.
“We can create a future that is both equitable and clean by offering solar at an affordable price to ALL and installing community solar for those who are unable to use rooftop solar," said Anise Welty, youth leader for Idaho Climate Justice League.
“This event is a profound declaration of optimism about a world that is better than what we know it to be right now. That’s ultimately what this is - a belief that our future and everybody in it is worth investing in," said Sarah Jareczek, Community Outreach Specialist for Intermountain Fair Housing Council.
In recent months, Idaho counties made controversial decisions to reject large-scale solar projects. And with days left in 2023, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC) quietly approved Idaho Power's universally-opposed new rate structure for rooftop solar compensation.
Despite setbacks to rooftop solar, historic federal funding provided $43 million in solar and energy efficiency tax credits to 17,000 Idaho households in 2023. The Nez Perce Tribe received another $37 million for climate pollution reduction. Idaho also received $56 million in Solar For All funding from the Biden administration's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
“Idaho families are investing their own money in locally-produced solar power that sends clean energy to the grid, helping to meet the state’s growing energy needs," said Kate Bowman, Regulatory Director of the Interior West for Vote Solar. "Thanks to programs like Solar For All, rooftop solar will be more affordable and attainable than ever, but we also need strong policies to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy.”
“Rooftop solar paired with energy storage is a solution for community resilience. We stand here today to express continued, fair access to solar and energy storage for all Idahoans and people beyond, so they have the opportunity to create resilience, diversify and strengthen the grid, and choose how to own their power," said Anika Miller, Project Engineer at RevoluSun.