nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) received $2.34 million in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act for the Master Sergeant Alexander Cotton Memorial Solar Project in Ludlow. The 6.9 megawatt solar array, officially energized in 2023, aims to reduce electricity costs for its six municipal utility participants and their communities. MMWEC officials emphasized the project's success in demonstrating the strengths and benefits of public power. The funds will help eliminate years of debt service costs, making clean energy more affordable and accessible.

Utah has utilized $7.5 million from the Clean School Bus Program to transition to electric buses. Schools like Uintah have already saved around $65,000 annually due to lower electricity costs compared to diesel. Despite some implementation challenges, the electric buses have shown promising results and fewer maintenance issues. The program continues with further funding to support additional electric buses in the state.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved a $14.5 million federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to fund various green initiatives, including greenway improvements, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar panel installations.

Utah has utilized $7.5 million from the Clean School Bus Program to transition to electric buses. Schools like Uintah have already saved around $65,000 annually due to lower electricity costs compared to diesel. Despite some implementation challenges, the electric buses have shown promising results and fewer maintenance issues. The program continues with further funding to support additional electric buses in the state.

Utah has utilized $7.5 million from the Clean School Bus Program to transition to electric buses. Schools like Uintah have already saved around $65,000 annually due to lower electricity costs compared to diesel. Despite some implementation challenges, the electric buses have shown promising results and fewer maintenance issues. The program continues with further funding to support additional electric buses in the state.

Brown City School District added an electric bus to its fleet. This was made possible through a $345,000 grant and replaces a 2005 diesel bus, allowing the district to save funds for educational needs. The electric bus, which produces minimal noise, plays the district's fight song at low speeds to alert residents to its presence. With a range of 100 miles per charge, it's ideal for daily student transport, although longer trips will still use diesel or propane buses.

Undaunted K12 announced that six school districts have been awarded federal funds for clean energy projects. These projects will make schools safer, healthier, and more sustainable. This highlights the importance of investing in climate action at educational institutions. These initiatives aim to create resilient learning environments for students.

After building Wisconsin’s first energy-efficient net-zero elementary school in 2020, the Oregon School District was the first district in the state to receive an energy tax credit. The credits were earned for a recently installed rooftop solar array. The project, completed by Spectrum Full Solar, will help lower the high school’s electricity bill. In November 2024, the Oregon School District received $73,761 as a federal reimbursement for the solar array.

Northland Pines School District recently installed a new solar array at St. Germain Elementary School – the district’s fourth solar project and the first one to receive an energy tax credit. The solar arrays offer hands-on educational opportunities for students to learn about electricity. The project, completed by Hoffman Planning, Design, and Construction, will help the district continue to save on operating costs.

Salt Lake City School District added solar panel arrays to 6 schools as part of their plan to transform learning spaces into healthy, productive environments for students and staff. McKinstry, a national leader in high-efficiency buildings, completed these projects.