(AGENPARL) – mer 18 settembre 2024 EPA Announces Over $156 Million to Fund Solar Energy Systems for Low-Income New Mexico Residents
DALLAS, TEXAS (September 18, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing $156,120,000 from the Solar for All (SFA) grant program to the state of New Mexico. The grant, which will pay for installation of solar energy systems in low-income households, will be administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The funding comes from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a historic investment in American clean energy finance. The GGRF was created by the Inflation Reduction Act and operates with the goal to mobilize financing to address the climate crisis, ensure our country’s economic competitiveness, and promote energy resilience in communities.
“As impacts from the climate crisis continue, we must prioritize protecting vulnerable communities by offering green energy alternatives to build climate resilience and reduce pollution,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “With this funding, EMNRD will advance solar initiatives across the state of New Mexico by saving thousands in energy costs for families and delivering cleaner air to surrounding communities.”
“I’m proud to welcome $156 million Solar for All grant from the EPA to clean up our electrical grid and bring clean energy options to families here in New Mexico,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This investment will boost clean energy efforts, create jobs, and reduce emissions, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. By investing in sustainable solutions, we are taking a significant step toward a greener, more equitable future for all.”
“Solar energy is now one of the most affordable ways to stabilize energy costs and fight the climate crisis. This $156 million in funding from the EPA will help New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department bring the benefits of solar power to more families, including those in working, low-income, and rural communities,” said Rep. Leger Fernández (NM-03). “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats, we are not only driving down energy costs but also making sure that everyone, including those who have historically been left out, can participate in this green transition.”
“When making the transition to a clean energy future, we must remember the communities impacted most: low-income, communities of color,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “That’s why I am absolutely pumped that New Mexicans will benefit from the $156 million in funding from the EPA’s Solar for All Program! This grant will ensure families all across the state are saving money, all while receiving resilient and secure power. The future is bright!”
“I have always believed that clean energy projects should not only address climate change but also provide good-paying jobs and economic opportunities right here in New Mexico. The New Mexico Solar for All program is a great example of how we can harness our state’s potential,” said Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02). “We are making it possible for more families to benefit from solar power. This initiative isn’t just about clean energy, it’s about empowering our communities to lower their utility bills and build a more sustainable future.”
“This program is just of the many ways in which the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham administration is working to ensure all New Mexicans share in the clean-energy transition,” said New Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary-Designate Melanie Kenderdine.
This program is just of the many ways in which the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham administration is working to ensure all New Mexicans share in the clean-energy transition. New Mexico has a strong foundation for solar installations and is ready to implement projects that engage with low income and disadvantaged communities (LIDAC). LIDAC households, including those living on tribal lands or in tribal or rural communities and in rural communities, are highly vulnerable to energy emergencies and disruptions.
With this funding, EMRND will create an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and conduct outreach to advertise New Mexico’s SFA opportunities. Additionally, a Project Team will have overall responsibility for the development, financing, design, and construction of the SFA Program. The Project Team intends to integrate Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to enhance energy resiliency for LIDAC households. The team intends to measure success in improving energy resiliency by tracking the frequency and duration of power disruptions in LIDAC communities served by SFA before and after the implementation of the ESS. The team estimates more than 21,000 LIDAC low-income households will derives some benefits from New Mexico’s Solar for All program.  
As part of its outreach efforts, the Project Team will collaborate with CBOs and LIDAC households in the planning, installation, and follow-up phases of the project. This will include group listening sessions as well as one-on-one meetings with geographically diverse CBOs and government organizations covering each of the state’s investor-owned utility territories, as well as those serving tribes. These listening sessions will be crucial to understanding potential barriers to community solar adoption and allow residents to understand the benefits of solar energy.
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