President Biden’s landmark climate legislation includes several provisions to direct funding towards poorer areas in order to support the clean energy transition. One example is the Energy Efficient Communities Program, which provides $25 million in allocations across seven different federal agencies. It’s purpose is to provide block grants to states, tribes, and localities for the express purpose of increasing energy efficiency in disadvantaged communities.
The legislation also includes a new $500 million Green Jobs and Opportunity Fund, which provides job training to those living in Latino-majority and low-income communities, in order to boost their employment opportunities in the energy efficient economy.
Finally, the legislation includes a Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator program, in which $1 billion would be used to improve energy efficiency, cut emissions, and build clean energy infrastructure in rural, tribal, and disadvantaged communities.
In total, these provisions represent a serious commitment to ensuring that the Biden administration’s climate agenda benefits poorer areas, and provides solutions to their specific energy needs.
