U.S. EPA Honors GRID Alternatives for Solar Panel Job Training

EPA News Release:

For Immediate Release:  February 26, 2013

Contact: David Yogi, Ph: 415-972-3350, Mobile: 415-972-3350, yogi.david@epa.gov

U.S. EPA Honors GRID Alternatives for Solar Panel Job Training

Receives Environmental Regional Award as Climate Change Champion

 SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld today recognized nonprofit GRID Alternatives as a Climate Change Champion. The EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Environmental Award was presented at a ceremony hosted by the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians in Hopland, California.

“EPA applauds GRID Alternatives for championing clean technologies to offset the climate change impacts of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Blumenfeld. “This organization is a role model for how business can promote solar energy while equipping Californians with the skills they need to sustain this industry.”

“The Hopland Band of Pomo Indians has been pleased to have Grid Alternatives Work with our qualifying Tribal members to install the latest solar technology on their homes,” said Shawn Padi, Chairman of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians. “This green technology not only helps the environment but also makes our qualifying Tribal members’ monthly energy bills much more affordable.”

GRID Alternatives has developed a solar affordable housing program to train and lead teams of community volunteers and job trainees to install solar electric systems for low-income homeowners, generating financial benefits for families, job training opportunities for local workers, and environmental benefits through the reduction of greenhouse gases.

As of February 2013, GRID Alternatives has installed over 3,000 solar electric systems in homes, trained 11,700 community volunteers and job trainees on the theory and practice of installing solar systems, and has prevented over 250,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions through PV installations. Beneficiaries of these systems have included seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, and homeowners struggling with unemployed and underemployment, as well as low-income residents of more than 14 tribal communities throughout California.

More information about GRID Alternatives, headquartered in Oakland, Calif., may be found at:www.gridalternatives.org  

The EPA Pacific Southwest Region’s Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitments and significant contributions to protecting the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands and tribal lands. Groups and individuals were selected from nominees received this year from businesses, government officials, tribes, media, academia, environmental organizations and community activists.   For more information on the other 2012 award winners please visit: http://epa.gov/region9/awards

###