Two Cárdenas Bills Included in Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act

Press Release

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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