Luján Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Solar Energy for Families and Businesses

Bill Would Advance Green Energy and Support High-Paying Jobs

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act, legislation that would support community solar projects and expand access to solar energy across the country, regardless of one's income or ability to host a solar system on their roof. Senator Luján has been a champion in advancing clean energy through community solar, previously introducing legislation that would require states to consider policies to promote the deployment of community solar projects. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Currently, nearly half of American households and businesses are unable to use rooftop solar systems due to high costs of installation or because they live in buildings that cannot host solar panels. Directing more resources to expand renewable energy through community solar projects would lower energy costs for consumers, support good-paying green energy jobs, and help combat the climate crisis.

"As the climate crisis continues to worsen, it's clear that we must do more to support clean energy projects like community solar," said Senator Luján. "I'm proud to introduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act to expand access to solar power through community solar projects for all Americans and create more good-paying, clean energy jobs. This bill is a step forward in combating the climate crisis, and I look forward to working with Representative Castor to get this bill passed."

"Americans should be able to harness abundant and free solar energy to power their lives, especially in places like my home 'Sunshine State," said Representative Castor. "The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act will empower individuals and businesses to benefit from low-cost energy produced through a shared community solar array. Community solar is a win-win-win. By expanding community solar, we can reduce harmful pollution, save Americans money on their electric bills and create good-paying jobs. I look forward to partnering with Sen. Luján to pass this bill and make affordable solar more accessible."

"The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act is a transformative step in expanding access to affordable clean energy while cutting red tape that has delayed these benefits for too long. This legislation comes at a crucial time, unlocking the full potential of federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act's Solar for All and the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit, which increase energy equity for low- and moderate-income households. By enabling individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to participate in community solar, the bill ensures that everyone-not just those who can install rooftop solar-can benefit from lower energy costs and clean energy access," said Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) CEO Jeff Cramer.

"The New Mexico Climate Investment Center is particularly focused on development of community solar facilities that are community-owned, tribal-owned, and those in rural electric cooperative districts of New Mexico. Such community solar facilities will need the technical assistance in developing such programs particularly to provide greater access to low-cost solar subscriptions for the low-income disadvantaged households they are targeting. This bill seeks to address the need for technical assistance and other types of support to provide greatest access to those subscribers. We are in support of Senator Lujan's bill to provide such support," said Beth Beloff, CEO of New Mexico Climate Investment Center.

Specifically, the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act would:

• Require the Department of Energy to expand existing grant, loan, and financing programs to include community solar programs and to establish a program to increase access to community solar programs, including through technical assistance;
• Require each electric utility to offer a community solar program that provides all ratepayers, including low-income ratepayers, with equitable access;
• Allow the General Services Administration to offer a public utility contract for a period of up to 30 years - currently, the maximum is 10 years.

The bill is endorsed by the Coalition for Community Solar Access, New Mexico Climate Investment Center, Public Power New Mexico, GRID Alternatives, New Energy Economy, League of Conservation Voters, Appalachian Voices, Vote Solar, Solstice, Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and Solar United Neighbors.

Full text of the bill can be found here.