The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced its support for Washington, D.C.’s “Solar for All” program to ensure residents of HUD-assisted properties in the district are able to access the program without experiencing an increase in their housing costs, HUD said in a release.

“This opportunity highlights the many ways that HUD is ensuring an equitable path towards resilient infrastructure,” Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman said. “We look forward to continuing the path towards ensuring that all communities can participate in the transition to a clean economy.”

D.C.’s “Solar for All” initiative aims to bring the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 families with low to moderate incomes in the District of Columbia. HUD has determined that D.C. Solar for All’s community-net-metering credits will be excluded from household income and utility allowance calculations and therefore will not induce a rent increase or utility allowance adjustment for residents in properties participating in HUD Multifamily rental assistance programs.

This announcement allows HUD to advance the Biden administration’s Justice40 initiative objectives, address climate concerns, and create benefits for residents of HUD-assisted households through equitable deployment of community solar. In a growing number of states, community solar helps ensure that low- to moderate-income renters and residents of multifamily buildings directly benefit from the transition to clean energy, HUD stated.

Localities considering similar solar energy programs can reach contact HUD to discuss how to best coordinate with the agency. Solar is an important component of HUD’s Climate Action Plan, which notes that the agency is committed to advancing the goals of Executive Order 13985, which requires HUD to allocate resources in a manner that equitably invests in underserved communities, especially communities of color.

HUD said it is committed to taking actions to invest in climate resilience to reinforce its mission of creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities with affordable homes for all.