Luján Reintroduces Community Solar Bill To Counter GOP Attacks On Clean Energy - CleanTechnica

Senator Ben Ray Luján has reintroduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act in response to Republican efforts to repeal clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation aims to expand access to community solar projects for families and businesses historically excluded from the clean energy transition, particularly low-income households. The bill mandates electric utilities to offer community solar options to all customers, requires affordable subscription models, and prioritizes equity. It also authorizes the Department of Energy to provide financial assistance through grants, loans, and technical support to accelerate deployment of shared solar projects nationwide. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced a matching bill in the House, emphasizing that many Americans are locked out of rooftop solar due to renting, living in multi-family buildings, or upfront costs. The legislation seeks to break down these barriers by enabling more Americans to benefit from clean energy, save on electric bills, and create good-paying clean energy jobs. While the bill does not reinvent the community solar model,