Note: The accompanying video shares tips for going green
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina has received a $156 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to Gov. Roy Cooper, who made the announcement on Earth Day, the influx of funding will help bring solar power to disadvantaged, low-income areas of the state.
“North Carolina continues to lead the way toward a clean energy future, and we are grateful to have been selected by EPA for this groundbreaking grant program,” said Governor Cooper. “This funding will lower energy costs and help families across North Carolina live cleaner, healthier lives.”
The grant applicant was EnergizeNC, North Carolina's Solar for All coalition. This funding comes from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grant program.
Julie Woosley, director of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's state energy office, said the program will reduce utility bills and bring clean energy benefits to people who otherwise would not have had access to it.
“More than 70 organizations have submitted letters of support for EnergizeNC’s proposal, and we look forward to working with community stakeholders across the state to have the greatest impact,” Woosley said. .
Energize NC will use $156 million to launch a statewide program aimed at “transforming” the growth of solar power in the state. As the group accelerates the rapid deployment of solar power across the state, he said it has four main goals:
- Create a comprehensive program management approach.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs, and promote environmental justice.
- Develop and develop a trained workforce.and
- We provide strong community engagement to ensure project benefits reach disadvantaged communities and individuals.
As a partner, Advanced Energy will work with the coalition to help ensure the safety, durability and reliability of the installed systems. The company will also work with Advanced to ensure these systems “work as expected and deliver economic savings and environmental benefits to underserved communities,” the company said. said Energy Chief Operating Officer Brian Coble.
As the program is further rolled out, you can stay updated on progress at energizeNC.org.
