Rep. Castor, Sen. Luján Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Affordable, Clean Solar Energy – U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (.gov)

Legislation Introduced to Expand Community Solar Access and Promote Sustainable Energy

Overview

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) has introduced the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2025, aimed at expanding a Department of Energy initiative to encourage community solar projects nationwide. This legislation focuses on increasing accessibility to affordable solar energy, particularly benefiting residents in the Tampa Bay area regardless of income level. Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The bill promotes access to clean, affordable solar energy for all households, including renters and those unable to install rooftop solar panels.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Each community solar project is projected to create approximately 90 jobs and generate $14 million in local economic investment.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By supporting states and local governments in expanding community solar, the legislation fosters sustainable urban energy solutions.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The bill contributes to reducing harmful pollution and combating the climate crisis through increased adoption of renewable energy.

Key Provisions and Benefits

1. Expansion of Community Solar Projects: Encourages shared solar initiatives that allow neighbors to benefit from local solar power without individual rooftop installations.
2. Increased Accessibility: Ensures that working families and low-income residents can access lower-cost solar energy.
3. Economic Impact: Supports job creation and local investment, with each project generating significant economic benefits.
4. Environmental Impact: Aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the transition to clean energy sources.

Statements from Key Legislators

• Rep. Kathy Castor: Emphasized the importance of clean, affordable energy for all, highlighting the barriers faced by many households and businesses in Florida. She underscored the bill’s role in creating jobs, supporting local governments, and reducing pollution.
• Sen. Ben Ray Luján: Stressed the urgency of practical solutions like community solar amid the intensifying climate crisis and political challenges to clean energy funding. He expressed commitment to expanding solar access and creating well-paying clean energy jobs.

Support and Collaboration

The legislation has garnered support from a bipartisan group of House cosponsors, including:

• Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03)
• Nanette Barragán (CA-44)
• Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
• Julia Brownley (CA-26)
• Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
• Jared Huffman (CA-02)
• Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08)
• Doris Matsui (CA-07)
• Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)
• Paul Tonko (NY-21)

Supporting organizations include:

• Coalition for Community Solar Access
• Evergreen Action
• GreenLatinos
• League of Conservation Voters
• Moms Clean Air Force
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• New Mexico Climate Investment Center
• Sierra Club
• Solar Energy Industries Association
• WE ACT for Environmental Justice

Additional Resources

• Supporting Quotes
• Legislative Text

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on expanding access to solar energy through community solar projects, promoting clean and affordable energy for all residents.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The legislation supports job creation, mentioning over 90 jobs per community solar project, contributing to economic investment and growth.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Community solar projects enhance local energy access and support sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The bill aims to cut harmful pollution and combat the climate crisis by promoting clean energy solutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal waste management.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity (implied by expanding solar access to renters and low-income households).
   • Share of renewable energy in the total final energy consumption (implied by increased solar energy production).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Number of jobs created in the renewable energy sector (explicitly mentioned as over 90 jobs per community solar project).
   • Local economic investment generated by community solar projects (stated as $14 million per project).
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Reduction in pollution levels and improved air quality (implied through cutting harmful pollution via clean energy adoption).
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (implied by promoting clean solar energy and reducing reliance on polluting energy sources).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: castor.house.gov