What Alliance Governors Are Saying About Biden Administration’s Historic Solar for All Funding

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What Alliance Governors Are Saying About Biden Administration’s Historic Solar for All Funding

“Unprecedented Investment in Clean, Affordable Renewable Energy”

April 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, 23 members of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, were collectively awarded approximately $2.9 billion in funding through the Biden administration’s Solar for All program.

Here’s what the Alliance’s governors are saying about this historic investment, which will enable low-income households across America to access residential solar power:

⚡☀️ BIG: A game-changing $2.9 billion is headed to 23 Alliance states & territories from @EPA to deploy residential solar energy in low-income communities.

Our governors are ready to deliver ➡ https://t.co/MBDEBF2mwH #EarthDay #EarthWeek pic.twitter.com/vAhp5juD5x
— U.S. Climate Alliance (@USClimate) April 22, 2024

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

“Solar for All Arizonans is a critical program that will lower energy costs for thousands of Arizonans,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “In addition to directly providing Arizona families with clean, affordable electricity, Solar for All Arizonans will open new opportunities for our home grown solar industry, and create good-paying jobs in communities all across the state.”

Read more via the Office of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

“.@WhiteHouse is ramping up clean energy and bringing solar to all. California has been selected to receive up to $250 million to expand solar access to low-income households. We’re building more clean energy for ALL Californians.”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis

“It’s exciting to receive this major funding to help more Coloradans save money with solar energy while creating a cleaner environment for future generations. This award will help rapidly deploy more low-cost solar energy across Colorado. I want to thank the Biden Administration for this investment in Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Read more via the Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont

“This funding means more residents in Connecticut – and importantly, more low-income residents in our state – will be able to realize the benefits of clean, renewable energy and the savings associated with it. This funding provides for more equitable participation in the green economy and helps us make our grid cleaner and more reliable. Thank you to the Biden administration and the EPA for this Inflation Reduction Act funding, to our Congressional delegation for their efforts to pass the underlying legislation, and to DEEP for taking the lead along with fellow application partners to secure this funding for the residents of our state.”

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero

“The Solar for All program will focus on homeowners who have long been excluded from harnessing the benefits of solar energy due to financial constraints. By leveraging a unique combination of energy efficiency audits, weatherization support, and facilitated access to solar through an advantageous loan program, participating households will witness a substantial reduction in their monthly electricity bills,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “This initiative presents an opportunity for households to save on their energy expenses and generate revenue by selling surplus solar electricity back to Guam’s power utility. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the local grid infrastructure while advancing Guam’s renewable energy mandate, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”

Read more via the Office of Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.

“The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration proudly announces the recent award of $62.4 million under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solar for All program. This substantial investment will empower low and moderate-income households across Guam with access to renewable energy solutions, marking a significant stride toward sustainability and environmental equity.”

Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D.

“Climate change and affordability have continued to be critical areas of focus for our administration,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “We look forward to continuing this important work of delivering clean energy to our communities and improving the quality of life for our residents in perpetuity.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

“From day one, I have worked decisively to build an equitable clean energy future that works for everyone in Illinois. This was our north star in creating the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. I thank President Biden and USEPA Administrator Regan for the federal resources through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act to help Illinois reach our equitable clean energy future,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The State of Illinois looks forward to working with the USEPA to use finance to enable families, small businesses, communities, and many others to create our equitable clean energy future while ensuring that at least 40% benefits families in low-income and disadvantaged communities.”

Maine Governor Janet Mills

“All Maine people should have access to clean, affordable, reliable energy to power their homes and businesses, regardless of income level or home ownership status,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I welcome this funding from the EPA to help Maine establish a program to enable low-income communities across Maine to participate in and benefit from solar development in our state.”

Read more via the Office of Maine Governor Janet Mills.

“Access to technology like solar and energy storage is critical to ensure the benefits of low cost, clean energy are shared by people across Maine and the nation,” said Alliance co-chair Maine Gov. Janet Mills. “The Solar for All program provides an enormous opportunity to generate clean, home-grown energy while delivering significant cost savings for millions of Americans and accelerating clean energy job growth.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

“We are moving in partnership to meet our climate goals and lift our communities,” said Gov. Moore. “Solar for All Grant Funding will make it possible for more Marylanders to access clean energy, reduce emissions, and prepare our workforce for the economy of the future. We don’t have to choose between a growing economy and a green economy – we can, and we will, choose both.”

Read more via the Maryland Clean Energy Center.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey

“Big win for Team Massachusetts! With a statewide strategy that combines housing affordability and climate action, we’re bringing home $156M in federal dollars for solar energy – the largest award in New England. Grateful to @POTUS and our stellar congressional delegation.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy, lowering utility costs for families, creating good-paying jobs, and growing our advanced manufacturing economy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and our hardworking congressional delegation, Michigan is ready to launch the MI Solar for All program which will save thousands of working families households across the state money on their utility bills. By installing more solar energy on roofs or in communities, we can create more jobs, protect our air and water, and continue driving down costs. Together, let’s shore up our national clean energy leadership as we work towards our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Let’s keep building and defining the future.”

Read more via the Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

“I just announced Minnesota has secured over $60 million in federal funding to deliver solar power – helping families save on energy costs while creating clean energy jobs. This is a major step in the right direction as we move toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.”

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

“The EPA’s Solar for All program is an unprecedented investment in clean, affordable renewable energy for low-income communities across the country,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “It is only natural that New Mexico—a national leader in clean energy —would be among the states selected to participate. This will help ensure that all New Mexicans, regardless of income level, can benefit from our clean energy transition.”

New Mexico was awarded $156M from @EPA's Solar for All program—an unprecedented investment in clean, affordable renewable energy for low-income communities, benefitting all New Mexicans. #SolarForAll 🌞🌎
Read more here: https://t.co/RZlB8DXGJz pic.twitter.com/FumVlrFYWU
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) April 22, 2024

New York Governor Kathy Hochul

“New York State has positioned itself as a leader in community solar, ensuring more residents than ever before have access to clean, affordable solar energy,” Governor Hochul said. “We thank President Biden, Administrator Regan, and the New York Congressional Delegation for their support and are proud to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency to advance this historic investment in community solar and build a clean and healthy future for New Yorkers.”

Read more via the Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

“North Carolina continues to lead the way toward a clean energy future and we are grateful to be selected by the EPA for this groundbreaking grant program,” said Governor Cooper. “This funding will help cut energy costs and help families across North Carolina live cleaner and healthier lives.”

Read more via the Office of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek

“Clean energy should be an available option for more people. This announcement from the White House is another way to help fight climate change.”

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi

“Puerto Rico consiguió una nueva asignación de fondos para energía solar mediante una propuesta ante el programa federal “Energía Solar Para Todos” de la @EPA presentada en colaboración entre el Gobierno, el Fideicomiso de Energía Verde y el Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña. La propuesta fue seleccionada para una asignación de fondos que se utilizarán para aumentar el acceso a energía limpia para comunidades vulnerables, entre otras iniciativas para aumentar la resiliencia energética e impacto comunitario.”

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

“NEW: Happy Earth Day, RI! We’re receiving $49M+ from @EPA to develop residential solar programs that will lower energy costs and advance environmental justice. These funds will help us meet our Act on Climate goals while growing our clean energy economy.”

Vermont Governor Phil Scott

“This funding will be a huge boost for Vermont as we transition to clean, renewable energy, at a speed and cost that our most vulnerable citizens can bear,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “Solar for All Vermont will fund affordable pathways that enable low-income households to access and share in the benefits of solar power. I thank the EPA for their partnership and confidence in our state.”

Washington Governor Jay Inslee

“Big #EarthDay news! Historic federal investments are supercharging state efforts to deliver clean energy to families across the U.S. We’re ready to put WA’s $156M award to work helping connect homeowners, affordable housing providers & Tribes to clean, green solar power”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers

“What better way to celebrate Earth Day and Earth Week, especially here in Wisconsin, where Earth Day began with an idea Gaylord Nelson, our former governor and U.S. senator, had some fifty years ago,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m excited Wisconsin was selected for the EPA’s Solar for All program. This will help support the important benefits of renewable solar energy for low- and moderate-income households across our state through rooftop residential, multifamily, and community solar projects. These investments will help Wisconsin build upon our work toward achieving 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050 while creating good-paying jobs, reducing reliance on out-of-state energy sources, and lowering energy costs for Wisconsin homeowners and renters.”

Read more via the Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

About the Alliance

Launched on June 1, 2017 by the governors of Washington, New York, and California to help fill the void left by the previous administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the Alliance has grown to include 24 governors from across the U.S. representing approximately 60% of the U.S. economy and 55% of the U.S. population. Governors in the Alliance have pledged to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025, at least 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, and collectively achieve overall net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as practicable, and no later than 2050.

The Alliance’s states and territories continue to demonstrate that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth, job creation, and better public health. While reducing emissions by 18% between 2005 and 2021, Alliance members grew their collective GDP by nearly 30%. The coalition’s states and territories are employing more workers in the clean energy sector, achieving lower levels of dangerous air pollutants, and preparing more effectively for climate impacts and executing more pre-disaster planning than the rest of the country.

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