Help Bring Clean Energy to Everyone

The Inflation Reduction Act brought the promise of clean energy for everyone closer to reality but more work needs to be done.

• Why It Matters

  The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) contained guidance for the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program. This is a program designed to help alleviate the high energy costs faced by low-income families by reducing the out of pocket expense when investing in clean energy. When implementing this program, the Treasury Department rejected recommendations developed through collaboration with stakeholders like the energy industry, environmental nonprofits, and leaders in affordable housing, racial justice, and more that would have ensured most of the money goes to families and local businesses rather than large companies. They also created a narrow timeline in which to apply for the program. The Treasury Department gave no reason for rejecting the recommendations, but due to the current implementation, very few families will benefit from the program.

• What’s the Solution?

  The IRA, as written, was a potentially incredible tool for environmental justice, but it is not as effective as it could be. The solution is for the Biden administration to change the guidance to make it easier for families to see more money in their pockets by changing their guidelines and creating an open, rolling application process instead of a small window of time for projects to be approved.

• What Can I Do?

  The good news is the Treasury Department can change their guidance. However, they are highly unlikely to if they don’t hear from the public. Fill out the form to contact the Biden administration and urge them to make it easier for families to afford solar!