President Joe Biden marked Earth Day by introducing a $7 billion grant program for solar projects in homes, aimed at helping nearly a million low-income households access solar power.
The announcement was made at Prince William Forest Park in Virginia, highlighting Biden’s commitment to fighting climate change.
The initiative, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant competition, is a key part of the Inflation Reduction Act. It is expected to create 200,000 jobs and save participating households about $400 each year.
Biden stressed the importance of Solar for All, saying it would help lower-income families struggling with high energy costs.
The program focuses on 60 state and local agencies and nonprofit groups, helping underserved communities adopt solar energy and cut utility bills.
Selected organizations plan to expand solar access to Native American households in states like Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.
For lower-income Americans, the upfront costs and housing situations have historically made it hard to adopt solar power at home.
Joe Biden talks about student loans (Via Sherry Patel/Getty Images)
Solar for All supports Biden’s goal of directing 40% of federal clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities, aiming to make renewable energy more accessible.
Alongside the solar initiative, Biden also introduced the American Climate Corps, which aims to prepare young people for jobs in climate-related fields.
With 2,000 openings across 36 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the Climate Corps plans to train more than 20,000 people.
Participants will receive training through partnerships and gain access to jobs in the federal government.
Biden’s Earth Day announcements show his comprehensive approach to tackling climate change, focusing on creating jobs, fairness, and environmental sustainability.
As the Biden administration strengthens its efforts on climate change, programs like Solar for All and the American Climate Corps are key steps toward a cleaner, stronger future.
