City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools

Philadelphia House Delegation    September 4, 2024 | 4:38 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act. They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor.

Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17.

"I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris. “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities."

“The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not only will this program reduce energy costs and save schools money, which can be invested in the classroom, it also sends a strong message to students about sustainability,” said McClinton.

“I was thrilled to join state Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, my City Council colleagues, and our partners in the General Assembly to celebrate the passage of the groundbreaking Solar for Schools Act,” said City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. “I want to thank Representative Fiedler for her vision and determination in getting this bill across the finish line and Governor Josh Shapiro for signing the bill into law and allocating $25 million for Solar for Schools grants. As the parent of a graduate and two young people enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia schools, I know firsthand the impact Solar for Schools will have in reducing our energy costs, providing residents with access to family supporting and sustaining career opportunities in the energy sector, and protecting our environment from the dangers of climate change.”

Schools across Pennsylvania are struggling amid an underfunding crisis. In Philadelphia, 63 schools had to close during the first week of school due to inefficient cooling in extreme heat. Energy efficiency from on-site solar will help school districts lower high energy bills and redirect funds to students and staff, which can be used to make necessary infrastructure updates, the legislators said.

“Pennsylvania’s 3,400 school buildings are outdated and expensive to run, burdening taxpayers. The Solar for Schools grant program offers a solution -- turning school rooftops into energy generators with federal funds. This will cut costs, create high-wage jobs, and support our children’s education. Let’s bring our tax dollars home, invest in our schools, and make a positive impact on our environment. It’s a win-win for Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Jimmy Dillon, D-Phila.

The grant program will cover up to 50% of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring Pennsylvania is positioned to take advantage of federal funding.

“The success of this program proves that intergovernmental collaboration can achieve amazing things for our schools and our children,” Fiedler said. “From City Council’s resolution all the way up to the bill’s integration of federal Inflation Reduction Act money, Solar for Schools is a win at every level.”

“I’m grateful for Representative Fiedler’s advocacy and close work with the Philadelphia Energy Authority on the Solar for Schools program, which will serve our youth and our city greatly. It’s a critical time to squeeze every drop out of the Inflation Reduction Act, and Philadelphia’s legislators are acting in coordination to do so!” said Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke.

Broad support from environment and labor partners signals a shared interest in simultaneously addressing climate change while creating good jobs. Lawmakers were joined at City Hall by labor and environmental leaders, including Danny Bauder, president of the Philly AFL-CIO; TJ Lepera, political director of IBEW Local 98; Matt Toomey, business agent of IUOE Local 542; Molly Parzen, executive director of Conservation Voters of PA; Adam Nagel, director of government affairs for PennFuture; and Emily Schapira, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority.

"The Solar for Schools program isn't just a win for the environment and for taxpayers, it's proof that we can forge a new way of doing things in Harrisburg," said Parzen, the executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. "This legislation demonstrates that we can achieve real results when environmental advocates and organized labor work together with champions like Representative Fiedler. We need to leverage this momentum to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in a 21st century clean energy economy that lowers costs for working families and creates union jobs."

“Solar for Schools is a powerful initiative that proves that our schools, our communities, and our Commonwealth do not have to sacrifice good, family sustaining union jobs for an investment in clean and renewable energy,” said Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Bauder. “We are proud to support such a bold and innovative initiative that brings together labor, the environment, and education activists together to shape Philadelphia’s and Pennsylvania’s future.”

The event was part of an ongoing Solar for Schools tour that aims to highlight energy and financial needs at schools, spread the word about the grant program, and ensure school districts are prepared to apply. The state Department of Community and Economic Development has until Oct. 15 to establish application guidelines.

The news conference can be viewed in its entirety here: PRESS CONFERENCE: Fiedler Celebrates Solar for Schools grant program into law (youtube.com)