Biden marks Earth Day with $7bn ‘solar for all’ investment amid week of climate action

This Earth Day 2024, President Joe Biden announced a $7b investment in solar energy through the “Solar for All” initiative, funded by the $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2023. This program aims to enhance access to clean energy for over 900,000 households in disadvantaged communities. The investment is part of a broader week of historic climate actions outlined by the White House. Biden made the announcement this morning during his visit to Virginia’s Prince William Forest Park as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to address climate change and promote environmental justice. The funds will be distributed across states, territories, and various organizations to aid low-income areas and are expected to create 200,000 jobs via the American Climate Corps. This initiative aligns with Biden’s Justice40 initiative, which ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal environmental investments reach communities most affected by pollution and underinvestment.

The rest of the President’s Earth Week itinerary includes:
Tuesday: clean water for all communities
Wednesday: accelerating the US’s clean transportation future
Thursday: steps to cut pollution from the power sector and strengthen the US electricity grid
Friday: measures to promote cleaner air and healthier schools

Source: The Guardian