Solar One’s Post

Making the NYS Residential Solar Tax Credit accessible to all NY homeowners is so important at a time when many New Yorkers are facing increased electricity costs and as our state falls behind on its climate goals - neither of which we can afford. An improved NYS Solar Tax Credit would be refundable to low-to-moderate income homeowners and those in disadvantaged communities, cover battery storage, reflect the growing needs of coop and condo buildings, and increase in household cap. If your organization supports sustainability, climate and energy justice, and affordable housing - please sign-on to our letter asking Gov. Hochul to include this important measure in the 2025-2026 Executive Budget. Sign here: https://lnkd.in/g2UWRp3t

The impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act: “Empowering Communities: How the IRA Is Transforming the Energy Sector” by Madison Moore discusses the Inflation Reduction Act and how to invest in clean energy while centering equity. The IRA, signed by President Biden in 2022, encourages the equitable distribution of investments in clean energy, providing incentives for the installation of clean energy in communities that have faced historic environmental and economic injustice. Moore discusses how these and other goals for equitable clean energy can be reached effectively. “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a legislative investment in clean energy, addressing climate change and offering incentives for the benefits to be shared equitably.” Check out this and other articles surrounding the intersection between Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice, in Volume 50, No. 1/2 of our Human Rights Magazine. Read the article HERE ➡️  https://lnkd.in/e7uxF66C

Read our latest op-ed in collaboration with The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) — The Federal Funding To Make Clean Energy Equitable Is Here. It’s Up To Cities To Do the Right Thing. https://lnkd.in/ecpWk-S3

The Solar for All program, part of the EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, is billed as an environmental justice measure to tackle climate change in communities excluded from the energy transition. But awardees are facing a 500,000-person-and-growing skilled labor shortage in the construction industry fueled by early retirements and recruiting problems. Learn how Solar For All Funding is aiding this shortage: https://lnkd.in/gct72JuP

This is an interesting refresh on the unprecedented investments in clean energy following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and particularly whether those investments are being made in red or in blue districts. A couple of highlights: - Of the $206 billion in cleantech investments that have been announced under Biden’s watch, 78% is slated for congressional districts represented by a Republican.  - Nine of the top 10 districts for cleantech investments are represented by Republicans. Those nine alone account for 38% of the anticipated investment nationwide.  - Of the 51 projects that top the $1 billion mark, 43 are in red districts. What does this all mean? It means that regardless of how the election turns out, it’s likely that the bulk of the IRA provisions are safe from repeal. This is good news for the climate.

I'm with the 28 MPs, three peers and 12 industry bodies and civil society organisations on this. “The future of buildings standards in England could have a huge impact on household energy bills, UK carbon emissions and the domestic renewable energy sector. With the government promising to build 1.5m new homes by 2029, it is essential that these homes are built to standards that ensure low bills and minimal carbon emissions.“We should not be building houses in the next five years that will have to be retrofitted, at much greater cost, five or 10 years later. The UK’s existing housing stock already contributes 17% of total carbon emissions, and new homes should help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Moving away from fossil fuels would also be a crucial step towards ensuring long-term energy security.”  https://lnkd.in/eJfk3PY8

As the adoption of renewables expands across the country, the need to address socio-economic disparities of clean energy access has become evident to federal and local regulators. Communities with the most urgent need for reliable energy often have the least access to it. With the DOE's Justice Week 2024 drawing to a close, take a moment to read about how lawmakers are beginning to address the gaps in policy equity. https://lnkd.in/g5caeCBf

"After decades of working to extract and refine coal, oil, and natural gas, many rural communities are at risk of being left behind." - Kyle Kammien, Dream.Org Policy Director. Read more in our latest piece in TriplePundit!

With the recent consecutive Fed interest rate cuts, there’s a unique window of opportunity for businesses and nonprofits to invest in commercial solar before the end of the year. Lower financing costs combined with California's rising utility rates make solar a powerful cost-cutting tool. But there's an urgency too: potential policy changes following the election could reduce or eliminate the 40% solar tax credit in 2025. Dive into our latest blog to learn how this moment could set your organization up for long-term savings and sustainability. https://hubs.ly/Q02YccCF0

☀ We are thrilled to announce that Connecticut has been awarded $62.5 million by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Solar for All initiative. This significant grant, funded through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda via the Inflation Reduction Act, marks a monumental step forward in our journey towards a sustainable and equitable energy future. Here’s what this means for Connecticut: 🟢Expanding Access: This funding will vastly increase solar energy accessibility across the state, with a priority focus on multi-family affordable housing and underserved communities. 🟢Boosting Savings and Sustainability: With a target to ensure all participating households save at least 20% on energy costs, we’re not just promoting clean energy—we’re making it more affordable. 🟢Driving Economic Growth: This initiative will also stimulate job creation and support local businesses, uplifting communities throughout Connecticut. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Biden Administration, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and our Connecticut Congressional delegation for their support in securing this funding. A special shoutout to all members of the Connecticut Consortium for their collaboration and dedication to making Project SunBridge a model for connecting communities to a future with solar. Here’s to a brighter, greener, and more sustainable Connecticut! #SolarForAll #SustainableConnecticut #GreenEnergy #EarthDay2024