INDIANA — Solar Opportunities Indiana, a coalition of municipalities, advocacy organizations, faith-based groups, educational institutions, renewable energy experts and electric utilities working together to deliver equitable solar access to income-eligible communities across Indiana, issued the following statement in response to a New York Times report this week that the Environmental Protection Agency plans to terminate $7 billion in “Solar for All” funding that Congress lawfully passed in April 2023.
That funding includes more than $117 million allocated to Indiana. Alison Becker, Program Director, Solar Opportunities Indiana, issued the following statement.
“This reckless action threatens to derail shovel-ready clean energy projects across our state that will provide low- and middle-income Hoosiers with access to solar energy that will lower their bills, create jobs, and improve public health.
“Right now, Indiana faces serious concerns about the rising cost of energy and the ability to generate sufficient power for residents and businesses. Blocking ‘Solar for All’ funding will make it harder to address these challenges and ultimately move the needle in the wrong direction for Hoosiers trying to manage their money.
“Beyond the immediate harm the loss of this funding will bring to our state looms a bigger, ongoing threat: the executive branch constantly undermining legal decisions that democratically elected members have already made of the legislative branch.
“‘Solar for All’ funding was authorized and appropriated by Congress as part of a bipartisan infrastructure bill, and those funds have been obligated through executed agreements with the EPA. The work—here in Indiana and across the nation—is already underway. Simply put, this money isn’t the EPA’s to mess with.
“This funding will provide access to solar energy for Indiana homeowners and renters that need it the most at a time when their electricity bills are through the roof. These investments will alleviate economic strain and mitigate health risks associated with power outages and grid failures.
“This program has always been a win-win for our state, our communities and our neighbors who are most in need of relief. Washington needs to honor its agreement and let Hoosiers do our job delivering results at the local level.”
About Solar Opportunities Indiana
Solar Opportunities Indiana (SOI) is a coalition of municipalities, advocacy organizations, faith-based groups, educational institutions and renewable energy experts working together to deliver equitable solar access and workforce development throughout Indiana. SOI aims to reduce structural barriers, innovate within policy constraints and create transformative opportunities for solar adoption and market growth.
