Lighting Up Local Futures
As a lifelong supporter of environmental causes, I’ve seen the power of renewable energy to transform communities. And nowhere is that more evident than in the story of how solar energy is putting money back into local economies across the country.
It all started years ago when I was a young senator, fighting to protect the natural wonders in my home state of Delaware. I remember one particular battle over a proposed highway that would have cut through the most beautiful part of the state. That’s what got me into this whole environment and energy thing in the first place. I was just a young attorney then, but I was determined to protect that land. And let me tell you, that was one heck of a fight! But in the end, we prevailed.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that the fight to harness the power of the sun is having an equally transformative effect on communities all across this great country. From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the rural farmlands of the Heartland, solar energy is creating jobs, boosting local economies, and putting money back into the pockets of hardworking families.
Reviving Rural Economies
Take a place like Beaver County, Pennsylvania, for example. This former coal and steel town is now home to a brand-new solar farm, owned by Four Twelve Renewables. And the best part? The proceeds from this facility are being used to provide utility assistance to local low-income families through the Dollar Energy Fund.
“We have an amazing opportunity here to rejuvenate these otherwise unused spaces by harnessing the power of the sun to provide clean, affordable energy and benefit local communities,” said John Markwell, a board member of Four Twelve Renewables.
It’s a win-win situation – cleaning up abandoned industrial sites while putting money directly back into the pockets of those who need it most. And it’s not just happening in Beaver County. Across the state of Pennsylvania, a new report found that nearly 169,000 acres of abandoned mine lands could potentially host solar facilities. That’s enough to power the entire city of Pittsburgh!
Powering a Brighter Future
These solar projects aren’t just generating clean, renewable energy – they’re also creating good-paying jobs and revitalizing local economies. In Illinois, the recently passed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is putting the state on a path to 100% clean energy by 2050. And at the heart of this landmark legislation are provisions to ensure that the transition to renewable energy benefits workers and communities that have been historically left behind.
“This ambitious plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change and creating jobs in the clean energy economy,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham. “This law has been years in the making, and I want to thank both the labor and environmental communities for their passion and dedication in getting it across the finish line.”
From training programs to community-owned renewable projects, this law is designed to ensure that the benefits of the clean energy revolution are felt by all. And it’s not just happening in the Midwest – states across the country are recognizing the power of solar to revive rural economies.
Investing in a Brighter Future
Of course, making the switch to solar isn’t always easy. There are upfront costs, infrastructure challenges, and even some NIMBYism to contend with. But the Biden administration is stepping up to the plate, providing both the carrot and the stick to drive the transition to a clean energy future.
From the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments in electric vehicle charging stations and clean energy infrastructure, to new efficiency tax credits for homeowners, the administration is making it easier and more affordable for families and businesses to go solar.
But they’re not stopping there. The President has also signed a landmark Executive Order to conserve and restore our nation’s forests – the “lungs of the planet” that play a vital role in the fight against climate change. By working with state, local, and Tribal governments, this order will help protect the old-growth forests that are essential carbon sinks.
It’s all part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the climate crisis head-on while creating new economic opportunities for communities that have been left behind. And let me tell you, I’m not messing around. As the saying goes, “my pen is ready” to sign any and all legislation that puts the clean energy revolution into overdrive.
A Brighter Future for All
The way I see it, this crisis we’re facing with climate change is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. An opportunity to create good-paying jobs in the industries of tomorrow. And an opportunity to put money back into the pockets of hardworking families in every corner of this country.
That’s why I’m so proud of the work we’re doing at Solar As Systems to bring the power of the sun to communities nationwide. From innovative financing solutions to top-of-the-line solar technology, we’re making it easier than ever for homeowners, businesses, and entire towns to join the clean energy revolution.
Because when we come together to harness the power of the sun, we’re not just generating clean, renewable electricity. We’re also investing in the future of our communities, our families, and our planet. And that’s a future that’s brighter than ever before.
So let’s get to work, folks. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and the future is ours to create. One solar panel, one wind turbine, one electric vehicle at a time. Because when we put our minds to it, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
