(The Center Square) – The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Michigan $159 million in solar subsidies for low-income households.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will be administered through the MI Solar for All program, which aims to increase access to affordable solar energy for eligible families.
“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,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “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.”
EGLE will invest $159 million to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar, community solar and energy storage.
EGLE Director Phil Roos welcomed the funding.
“Expanding access to renewable energy is critical, particularly for our low-income and environmental justice communities, to reducing pollution, protecting our world-class natural resources, and lowering energy costs for families,” Roos said in a statement. “This investment will help us continue on our path toward a more sustainable future while ensuring real benefits for our communities, creating a positive and lasting impact for Michiganders today and tomorrow.”
The funding should help Michigan move toward its 100% clean energy goal by 2040.
State Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, lead sponsor of the Clean Energy Future Plan, welcomed more solar energy.
“Progress builds on progress, and that’s especially true when we are able to utilize opportunities at the federal level to bolster state programs and objectives,” Singh said in a statement. “I was proud to lead the charge on a clean energy future in Michigan that tackles climate change while helping workers, communities and residents with lower incomes. This federal funding will allow us to expand our efforts to improve access to safe, clean and affordable energy for all in Michigan.”
Michigan Chief Infrastructure Officer Zachary Kolodin said this funding will help families “lower their energy costs while replacing dirty energy with clean rooftop solar.”
