Lansing, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan was recently granted $156 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the cost of community and rooftop solar for thousands of low-income and disadvantaged community households throughout the state.

The grant, which came from the Solar for All program, will be administered by the states Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

MORE NEWS: Transnational Gangs Continue to Target High-end Oakland County Homes

“Michigan is committed to leading the future of clean energy, lowering utility costs for families, creating good-paying jobs, and growing our advanced manufacturing economy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and our hardworking congressional delegation, Michigan is ready to launch the MI Solar for All program which will save thousands of working families households across the state money on their utility bills. By installing more solar energy on roofs or in communities, we can create more jobs, protect our air and water, and continue driving down costs. Together, let’s shore up our national clean energy leadership as we work towards our goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Let’s keep building and defining the future.”

Michigan was one of 60 selected applicants across the United States that included 49-state level awards, six awards to Tribes, and several multistate awards.

According to the Governor’s office, “the State will ensure the maximization of complementary public and private funding sources to support residential rooftop and community solar installations, energy storage, and enabling upgrades for eligible households.”

Residents are encouraged to contact EGLE about information and sign up for future updates on the EGLE Funding Opportunities.

U.S. Legislators support the investment in Michigan communities.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) supported the federal funding coming to the state.

“I was proud to pass the Inflation Reduction Act into law to deliver this federal funding, which will help our state expand access to affordable, resilient solar energy to thousands of low-income households across Michigan,” said U.S. Senator Peters in a statement. “This investment will help our state fulfill its commitment to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment, Great Lakes, and precious natural resources, and do so by investing in projects that directly benefit families and communities.”

MORE NEWS: To Protect and Serve…and Serve: MSP, Kroger to Deliver 200 Thanksgiving Dinners This Week

United States Congressman Dan Kildee (D- MI) also supported lowering of costs to Michigan communities.

“This investment will ensure we lower costs for Michiganders and upgrade homes while helping combat the climate crisis,” said U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee. “Thanks to laws I helped pass, like the Inflation Reduction Act, we are helping bring solar panel manufacturing back home to America and create good-paying Michigan jobs. In Congress, I will continue working to lower everyday costs for Michiganders.”

Michigan forges ahead in clean energy jobs, report says.

The 2023 Clean Jobs America report showed that Michigan is leading the Midwest in the number of clean energy jobs, “with nearly 124,000 Michiganders employed by clean energy companies at the end of 2022.”

“The industry grew by nearly 5 percent over the past year, adding more than 5,000 jobs. Clean energy is a significant part of Michigan’s economy, with more than six times as many Michiganders working in clean energy than the number of lawyers, web developers, and real estate agents combined,” according to the report. “In 2022, clean energy jobs grew almost twice as fast as the overall economy, and this growth is expected to continue as federal clean energy and vehicle incentives lead to new clean energy projects, a resurgence of domestic manufacturing, and lower upfront costs for homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements.”

For more about the report, see here.