The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) announced they will collaborate to administer a $156 million program to expand the use of renewable solar energy in traditionally underserved communities in Ohio.
As part of the new program, the agencies will provide grants and low-cost financing for residential and community solar projects in underserved areas of Ohio, ultimately lowering electric bills for low- to moderate-income households. The new program will focus on maximizing the number of underserved households with solar energy generation, delivering cost savings to families and improving air quality through reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative will also contribute to Ohio’s economy by creating the workforce needed to deploy these solar energy systems across the state.
“We look forward to distributing these funds in a way that will dramatically impact the lives of people in low-income and underserved communities,” said Christina O’Keeffe, Executive Director of OAQDA. “These funds are intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens on our Ohio families while stimulating economic growth and creating healthier air for all Ohioans.”
For more than 50 years, OAQDA has worked to harmonize a strong economy and a healthy environment in Ohio. It is a non-regulatory, independent state agency that supports projects that will positively impact Ohio by improving air quality, delivering significant public health savings and economic benefits, while helping projects meet compliance standards .
“We are very pleased to support projects that will have direct and immediate impacts on the state’s economy, environment and public health. These funds close the gap in solar access,” said Anne Vogel, director of Ohio EPA.
Ohio’s program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal Solar for All program, which this week announced funding for 60 solar programs. Ohio’s project was selected through a competitive process. Distribution of Ohio’s $156 million award will begin later this year.
News release from Ohio EPA
