- Katie Futterman ©️ Seven Days
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaking at Wednesday's event
Vermont's congressional delegation, along with the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, launched a $7 billion grant program on Wednesday that is meant to increase access to affordable solar energy.
"For the first time in the history of our country, we have a major public policy commitment to move away from fossil fuels and fully embrace clean energy options," U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said.
The grants will allow local officials to create new programs for low-income households and expand existing ones such as SunCommon's, which helps Vermonters install solar panels at no cost.
The idea is to increase access to residential rooftop and community solar power using financial support and incentives. It's meant to help low-income households reap the benefits, too — including energy savings and resiliency, and community ownership .
States, territories, tribal governments, municipalities and eligible nonprofits can apply for the grants by September 26. The government expects to award as many as 60 grants of varying sizes. The money was included in the Inflation Reduction Act, which was enacted in August 2022.
“This is not a paternalistic approach,” Regan said. “Nonprofits and communities and locally elected officials know their communities better than the federal government.”
“You’re not going to pay one nickel more than you were paying in your electric bill,” said Sanders, who championed the Solar for All program in the Senate.
Ian Shea, a homeowner and teacher in Waterbury, told those assembled about his experience switching to solar energy with SunCommon. The monthly electric bills he was paying have been replaced by his monthly loan payments. Once he pays that off, he will not pay for any energy. Shea also receives monthly energy statements, in which he can see that he is producing more than he's using.
“Not only do I own my house here but I own my energy,” Shea said.
Regan said the idea is to allow millions more Americans do the same.
“It’s time to empower our communities nationwide, and it’s time to work together to build a healthier, cleaner future for all, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Regan said.
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