bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
HARTFORD, CT – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) was awarded $62 million in funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s Solar For All program. The competition, created by President Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act, seeks to enable low-income and disadvantaged households across America to access the benefits of low-cost, clean solar energy—benefits that include home energy savings, energy resilience, improved air quality, wealth building, and quality jobs.
Connecticut DEEP was one of 50 states and territories, 57 municipalities, and 113 eligible nonprofits that applied for funding through the program. A full list of recipients of Solar For All awards can be found here.
“Solar power plays an instrumental role in Connecticut’s fight against climate change and the battle against high energy costs. Both the climate crisis and high energy rates are driven by an overreliance on fossil fuels and disproportionately impact our state’s low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut. “The Solar for All funds awarded today will equitably increase access to clean and affordable renewable energy for families and communities across Connecticut.”
The climate law authorized $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program, but by last year’s deadline for applications, EPA had received requests totaling more than $38 billion.
“In 2023, I personally spoke with more than 500 residents about solar at farmers markets and community fairs throughout the state. I can attest that Connecticut residents want to see more solar in our state,” said Steve Lewis, Chair of the Legislative Committee of Sierra Club Connecticut. “Unfortunately, Connecticut is lagging behind on solar deployment. We have only half the solar per capita of Massachusetts and Rhode Island because of artificial caps on the amount of solar that is allowed. Our state also lacks a robust community solar program that can serve renters and others without suitable rooftops.”
“To make the most of the federal Solar for All funding, Governor Lamont and the legislature also need to make policy changes to equitably get solar power into the hands and homes of residents who want it and need energy-savings most.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.