As a member of the Indiana Community Action Association Inc., Gary is one of four communities that will benefit from a $117 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for low-income solar projects.
The Solar of All grant competition is focused on creating solar programs for low-income housing, including financial incentives.
The grant was announced April 22 on Earth Day by the Biden-Harris Administration, according to a press release.
“Today we’re delivering on President (Joe) Biden’s promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air and combating climate change.”
The Solar for All awards are part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Other cities in the Indiana Community Action Association are Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis and Columbus, along with six statewide organizations.
“Thanks to the Biden Administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and growing a clean energy economy, we are making great strides in advancing the United States’ clean energy future,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “With today's exciting Solar for All announcement, we are not only bringing reliable solar energy to underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region, but we are also creating a heathier, more sustainable and secure future for all Americans.”
The Indiana Community Action Association award is one of 49 state-level grants that were announced. The award amounts totaled about $5.5 billion. Other awards included $500 million for six tribal entities and $1 billion in multi-state funding.
The 60 applicants that received funding went through several stages of review before being chosen. The EPA awards are scheduled for finalization this summer. Projects should begin in fall and winter.
