Biden announces $7b in grants for solar projects on Earth Day

US President Joe Biden marked Earth Day with a major announcement pledging $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects that will serve over 900,000 households in low- and middle-income communities across the country, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Monday.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to award these grants, with 60 recipients already unveiled on Monday. These projects are expected to have a substantial impact on the environment, reducing emissions equivalent to 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

In addition to the environmental benefits, these projects are also projected to save households $350 million annually, according to senior administration officials. This initiative is part of Biden’s broader plan to expand the New Deal-style American Climate Corps green jobs training programme.

However, the high initial installation costs of solar energy systems have raised concerns about accessibility for many Americans. This has led to discussions about the intersection of environmental policy and election-year politics.

Despite these challenges, the Biden administration remains committed to its green energy initiatives, viewing them as a crucial step towards a sustainable future.