We were happy to see the Biden-Harris administration introduce fresh efforts to increase solar accessibility across the nation. One of the best ways to increase access to solar’s cost-saving benefits for low- and moderate-income (LMI) families is through community solar, yet the onerous and protracted signup process required to be considered an LMI family sometimes turns away the very people we are trying to aid.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and state governments should make it easier for LMI customers to qualify for community solar subscriptions, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Initiative and other low-income assistance programs, DOE’s new pilot program will link families to community solar, definitely assisting more LMI communities in gaining access to the advantages of safe and dependable solar energy.
We applaud DOE for acting decisively and developing a plan that solves one of the major obstacles to attracting community solar users.
Thanks to SEIA .
CONGRESS IS CALLED UPON BY IBEW AND SEIA TO RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATION TABLE TO PASS CLIMATE LEGISLATION Download the Full Letter .
To: Each and every member of the US Congress
Re: IBEW, SEIA Demand That Congress Go Back to the Negotiating Table to Pass Climate Legislation
Dear Congressman or woman:
We implore members of Congress to return to the negotiating table and pass pro-worker, pro-growth, anti-inflationary climate legislation on behalf of the more than 775,000 active and retired members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the members of the Solar Energies Industries Association (SEIA), the national trade association for the U.S. solar industry. We think the proposal, which would boost the American economy and provide vital climate relief, has widespread support.
It will take a comprehensive strategy to achieve the clean energy transformation that our country needs to combat climate change, including the use of well-trained, highly skilled union workers and hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment in American manufacturing, workforce development, and the use of solar power and storage. The proposal that Congress is currently debating will also lower the deficit and lower inflation.
Our organizations stand for those whose labor helps slow down global warming and who invest in the personnel and infrastructure required to create a strong, inclusive renewable energy economy.
IBEW and SEIA back several ideas that are being thought upon, such as:
For building, modification, or repair work that is bigger than 1 megawatt, including for both contractors and subcontractors, there are tax incentives for clean energy and EV charging along with prevailing wage and apprenticeship regulations. criteria for domestic content in clean energy and tax incentives for EV charging The American Manufacturing for Solar Energy Act a fresh tax break for independent energy storage In favor of zero-emission structures and interstate transmission lines Increased renewable energy spending will benefit low-income areas by generating union jobs that pay well and addressing issues of equality and environmental justice. The popularity of solar power and battery storage has increased as costs have decreased. According to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, at least 160 gigawatts of solar energy are being created with co-located batteries, which is equivalent to roughly 34% of solar energy now under development. Nearly 40% of solar projects planned nationwide have co-located battery storage.
According to reports from Rhodium Group and Bloomberg New Energy Finance among others, installing solar and storage will lower inflation for all American energy consumers.
This legislation combines labor laws with a quick advance in solar development. With it, we are able to generate the jobs necessary to develop a robust economy, prosperity for all Americans, and a significant weapon against inflation. Without it, we risk having a worrying climate future and losing the chance to take back the lead on the issue internationally. Congressmen, we beg you to secure a deal for American energy.
Sincerely,
President of the IBEW Lonnie R. Stephenson
Abigail Ross Hopper , President and CEO of SEIA
Previous ArticleInterview With SEIA CEO Abigail Hopper For CleanTechnica On The Future Of Solar
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