Congressman Deluzio, Advocates Highlight Economic & Climate Benefits of CCAC North Campus’ Solar Panel Array Amid GOP’s Attacks on Energy Programs

McCANDLESS, PA - Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined non-profit advocates, energy leaders, educators, and State Representative Arvind Venkat (HD-30) at the Community College of Allegheny County's (CCAC) North Campus to tour their large solar panel array and showcase their Electric Vehicle (EV) apprenticeship program. The event highlighted how clean energy projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and electric vehicles can cut energy costs, create energy jobs, and help tackle climate change. Some speakers also highlighted how federal clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Acthave been making it easier and more affordable for Pennsylvanians to make clean energy upgrades, and called attention to the Trump Administration's and Congressional Republicans' attacks on the program that threaten this progress.

CCAC North Campus' 543-Kilowatt solar installation covers the entire roof of the building and produces enough energy to power 30-40% of the campus's electrical needs. When the rising cost of the electricity market prices are factored in, the solar array will save the college an estimated $750,000 in energy costs over the 28-year lifespan. And this year, CCAC launched an EV apprenticeship program that combines paid training with technical education to meet the demand for skilled EV technicians.

"High energy costs are hitting Americans' wallets hard, and the job market keeps getting weaker," said Congressman Deluzio. "The solar panel array and Electric Vehicle apprenticeship program at CCAC's North Campus show how federal tax credits help address both those problems-all while helping clean up our air and protecting our planet for generations to come. It was foolish and fiscally reckless for Washington Republicans to attack these programs-jacking up energy costs and killing energy jobs."

"CCAC's vision to equip the region's workforce with the skills employers need now and in the future-while setting the standard as an institution dedicated to contributing to a sustainable environment-could not be realized without the help of public, state, federal and private partnerships. We are grateful to all the organizations and investors who have made it possible for us to implement the successful initiatives that we are proudly showcasing today", said Dr. Quintin Bullock, CCAC President.

"There's never been a better time for Pennsylvanians to use the power of the sun to electrify our buildings and our lives," said Wanda Wilson, Western Pennsylvania Advocate for PennEnvironment. "CCAC's leadership on going solar can serve as an example of what's possible for other colleges, universities, school districts and Pittsburgh residents."

"PennFuture is proud to be part of an event that highlights existing examples of clean energy initiatives right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We commend CCAC for its leadership in demonstrating that a sustainable future is not only possible in the Commonwealth, but also within reach. These efforts are reducing energy costs for Pennsylvanians, creating good paying jobs of the future, and attracting new investment in our communities," said Annie Regan, Campaigns Director at PennFuture. "Rolling back federal clean energy incentives is a short-sighted move that would hurt Pennsylvanians-not just environmentally, but economically. We applaud Congressman Deluzio for standing up to protect these vital programs and ensuring Pennsylvania remains on the path toward a cleaner, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for all."

"Clean energy is a powerful tool for protecting my future. My generation will be among those most impacted by our current environmental choices. Affordable zero-emission energy for families shouldn't be political," student volunteer for Moms Clean Air Force, Gavin Lynch said. "My family was able to install a heat pump and solar panels with the help of the clean energy tax credits that are currently being phased out. Clean energy must be part of our shared vision for a healthy future for families, where clean air is a right for all kids. It's really that simple."

"Conservation Voters of PA commends CCAC for the part they're playing to make the Commonwealth a leader in clean energy. While Washington steps back from clean energy leadership, we in Pennsylvania must step up," said Natalie Davidson, Conservation Voters of PA's Allegheny County Civic Engagement Coordinator. "More clean energy locally means cleaner air and lower energy costs. We thank Rep. Deluzio for being Southwest PA's champion in Washington fighting for a clean energy future."

If Pennsylvania's schools follow CCAC's lead, the benefits to the Commonwealth would be enormous. A recent PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center report, Solar Schools for Pennsylvania: Repowering Education with Clean Energy, found that putting solar energy on the roofs of schools across Pennsylvania could produce as much electricity as is needed to power 187,000 homes each year, reduce climate-warming carbon dioxide pollution equal to taking nearly 300,000 cars off the road annually, and save Pennsylvania schools an estimated $342 million over the lifetime of the systems, even without soon-to-expire federal tax credits.

A study from Power Grid Engineering & Markets(PowerGEM) found that replacing 10% of the state's electric generation with solar would result in more than $300 million in net savings annually. Pennsylvania renewable energy projects have created almost 10,000 jobsspanning the entire supply chain, from technicians and engineers to salespeople, construction workers and manufacturers. And according to the Finding Pennsylvania Solar Future Project, increasing the solar portion of the state's electricity mix from 0.5% to 10% by 2030 would create upwards of 100,000 jobs and result in a net economic benefit of $1.6 billion annually.

Photos and video from the event are available for use by the media upon request.

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