nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Modesto City Schools was recognized nationally for its solar power initiatives, particularly for the installation of solar panels at parking lots and adding electric buses to its fleet. These efforts are expected to offset 60% of the district's current electricity costs. The district's director of sustainability, Gilbert Blue Feather Rosas, highlighted the importance of sustainable energy at a White House summit, urging other districts to adopt similar clean energy solutions. This initiative is part of the district's broader commitment to reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Bridge Renewable Energy, Solaris Energy, and WATTMORE have signed a contract to develop, finance, and operate a 1.8 MW solar and storage project for the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Harrah's Resort SoCal. This project, located on the Rincon Reservation in San Diego County, aims to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. The collaboration leverages incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and various state and federal grants. This milestone follows nearly three years of planning, design, and financial modeling.

RE-volv announced that they successfully received their first direct pay from the IRS, marking a significant milestone for their solar financing model. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provision in supporting clean energy projects. RE-volv’s innovative financing tools, including Power Purchase Agreements and solar leases, continue to help nonprofits save on electricity costs and promote community-driven energy transitions. This milestone underscores the potential for broader adoption of solar energy among nonprofits nationwide.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced adjustments to dollar amounts under the Minnesota Consumer Credit Code and the Regulated Loan Act, effective July 1, 2020. These adjustments are based on a 15% increase in the Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product from December 2011 to December 2019. The changes include increases in principal amounts subject to interest, minimum refunds, default charges, and loan administration fees. The next adjustment is scheduled for July 1, 2022, based on the December 2021 index.

The proposed project is about 15 megawatts and would feature energy storage and a substation. The entire reservation can run on five to seven megawatts of power, and the plan is for Red Lake Nation to sell the remaining power, creating a new revenue stream for the tribe. In 2020, the tribe spent $700,000 to purchase more than 200 acres of land located near the reservation for the solar project. At the site, Blake said he sees Red Lake’s future.

Plymouth Community Schools have installed solar panels at Riverside Intermediate and Washington Discovery Academy, allowing them to partially power their buildings with solar energy. This initiative aims to reduce the district's carbon footprint and save on energy costs. The project was funded through a $5 million bond, with approximately $1 million allocated for solar installations. Despite cloudy days, the schools continue to save money by storing unused energy. The district's leadership emphasizes the importance of environmental consciousness in managing their extensive facilities.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a major rural cooperative utility in the U.S., is acquiring its first large-scale solar power plants as part of its shift away from coal. The cooperative, which serves 1 million customers across Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska, aims to deliver 50% renewable electricity by the end of 2025. This move includes purchasing the Axial Basin Solar and Dolores Canyon Solar projects in Colorado, along with signing new power purchase agreements. Tri-State’s efforts are bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, positioning it as a leader in rural cooperative decarbonization.

The EPA has invested $15 million to bring 38 electric school buses to Durham, reducing emissions and improving student health. The funding, part of the Clean School Bus Program, aims to replace old buses with zero-emission alternatives. This initiative will benefit the community by lowering air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation for students.

Toyota has announced plans to construct a $1.3 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery megasite in North Carolina. The facility will produce lithium-ion batteries for Toyota’s electric and hybrid vehicles. The project aims to enhance Toyota’s EV production capacity and support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The megasite is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with battery production starting in 2027.

Religious institutions in the U.S. are increasingly installing solar panels to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Places of worship, including synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples, are leveraging solar energy to align with their values of stewardship and community service. These installations not only provide financial relief but also enable religious organizations to contribute to the local energy grid, benefiting the broader community. Some of these institutions are even sharing their solar-generated power with neighbors, especially those in need. This movement reflects a growing trend of faith-based groups embracing renewable energy as part of their environmental and social justice missions.