Poorer areas see the bulk of clean energy funds from Biden’s landmark climate law

Under President Joe Biden’s historic climate legislation, known as the American Jobs Plan, poorer areas across the nation will see the bulk of the estimated $100 billion allocated for clean energy investments. In addition to helping the country transition to a low-carbon economy, these investments will help create jobs, provide clean energy access to low-income communities, and develop resilient infrastructure.

The bulk of the clean energy investment will include funding for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, as well as investments in grid infrastructure and energy efficiency measures. Additionally, states will be encouraged to prioritize underinvested areas in the distribution of funds, to ensure that disadvantaged, low-income, and underrepresented communities benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. To this effect, funds will be issued in the form of grants and incentives, to benefit from federal dollars in a timely and efficient manner.

Research shows that lower-income communities suffer from more significant air pollution due to an increased presence of power plants and transportation sources. Biden’s investments in clean energy and related commitments to environmental justice, will help address these environmental disparities by providing access to clean energy solutions and reducing air pollution in disadvantaged communities.

Coupling federal funds with a commitment to environmental justice will be essential to ensure that no community is left behind in the clean energy transition.