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Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

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President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Solar power drives change in Ohio’s disadvantaged areas

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Friday, September 20, 2024   

Ohio's most vulnerable communities are set to benefit from more than $312 million in federal funding aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting environmental justice.

The money is part of the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Two Ohio organizations, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management State Accounting and Growth Opportunity Partners, were each awarded $156 million to develop solar energy programs for low-income households.

Shalanda H. Baker, vice provost for sustainability and climate action at the University of Michigan, said the funding will be used to address access disparities in marginalized communities.

"Over half of Black households in America experience energy insecurity, and around 47% of Latinx households experiences energy insecurity," Baker pointed out. "We also know that there are many Native American households that simply lack access to electricity altogether."

The Ohio Office of Budget and Management plans to use its portion of the funding to help low-and moderate-income households access solar energy, improving air quality and saving money. Renters and homeowners are eligible to participate.

Growth Opportunity Partners will work with the Industrial Heartland Solar Coalition to facilitate job training and installing residential rooftop solar panels. Baker added the program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address public health issues related to fossil fuel pollution.

"This program is really designed to bring more access to clean energy to those communities," Baker noted. "And just bring more clean energy on the grid, to overall clean up."

The Solar for All program is expected to help Ohio households save up to 20% on their energy bills.


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