Two Cárdenas Bills Included in Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act (H.R.4447) – bold and ambitious legislation to promote clean energy innovation and encourage investment in renewable energy. Included in the comprehensive package are two of Congressman Tony Cárdenas’ (CA-29) bills: The Affordable Solar Energy for Our Communities Act (H.R.8165) and the Clean Commute for Kids Act (H.R. 2906).
“Today, Congress has taken a momentous, bipartisan step towards curbing the climate crisis, paving way for a clean energy future,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “This energy package makes significant investments in clean energy and encourages innovation all while creating new jobs – jobs for a 21st century economy. With wildfires raging in the West and hurricanes devastating the golf, we must act now to address the climate crisis – that means moving away from dirty fossil fuels and investing heavily in renewable energy. I am proud that two of my pro-climate bills were included in this comprehensive package and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.”
The Affordable Solar Energy for Our Communities Act (H.R.8165) would:
- This bill establishes a $200 million grant program to finance the planning and construction of solar installations thereby reducing costs for low-income families.
- Makes it easier for low-income Americans to use solar energy and lower their utility bills, which will help our nation reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, combat climate change and decrease air pollution.
- Establishes a $200,000,000 grant program at the Department of Energy – which may be awarded in the form of grants, rebates, or low-interest loans – through Fiscal Year 2025.
- Eligible entities of the grant program include but not limited to low-income homeowners and non-profits that serve low-income households or multi-family affordable housing complexes.
- The bill also promotes solar workforce training and development.
The Clean Commute for Kids Act (H.R. 2906) includes:
- Funding to retrofit school bus fleets with cleaner energy sources like electricity or natural gas.
- Reauthorization through FY2025 of the Clean School Bus Program, including to authorize the EPA to award grants for up to 60% of the replacement costs of acquiring clean school buses and charging and fueling infrastructure.
- Reduces emissions by allowing communities to more easily integrate clean energy buses into their fleets as part of their efforts to combat climate change.
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