Bloomington earns gold for green programs
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Bloomington has received a gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it easier to adopt and increase education about solar energy. SolSmart is an initiative led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
SolSmart provides technical assistance to help local governments reduce obstacles to solar energy development in a community. So far, more than 450 municipalities and counties, including 13 in Indiana, have achieved the designation since it launched in 2016.
This city says receiving the designation has been a goal for its climate and sustainability action plans.
“We would like to continue to encourage residents and businesses to go solar and take advantage of the 30 percent federal solar tax credit available until 2032 due to the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Lauren Clemens, assistant director of sustainability.
Bloomington says it received high marks in community engagement and market development categories. The community has a partnership with financial institutions to offer solar-project loans to homeowners. There is also a grant program for nonprofits.
The city also made changes to zoning ordinances that allow for solar photovoltaics.