Luján Reintroduces Community Solar Bill To Counter GOP Attacks On Clean Energy

As Congressional Republicans push legislation to gut key clean energy incentives, Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) has reintroduced a bill aimed squarely at expanding access to community solar for families and businesses who’ve been historically shut out of the clean energy transition.

The bill, Community Solar Consumer Choice Act of 2025, builds on the success of existing community solar models by requiring electric utilities to offer community solar options to all customers, with special provisions to ensure meaningful participation from low-income households. The legislation would authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide financial assistance through grants, loans, and technical support, to expand and accelerate deployment of these shared solar projects across the country.

The goal is simple: if you can’t install solar panels on your roof, you should still be able to benefit from solar power.

Luján’s move comes in direct response to Republican efforts to repeal clean energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, including support for rooftop solar, energy-efficient home upgrades, and battery storage. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced a matching bill in the House.

“As the climate crisis intensifies and Republican lawmakers push to cut clean energy funding, fighting for practical solutions like community solar is more critical than ever. I’m proud to reintroduce the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act to expand access to solar power through community solar projects for all Americans and create more good-paying, clean energy jobs. This bill is a step forward in combating the climate crisis, and I look forward to working with Representative Castor to get this bill passed.” — Senator Luján

While the bill doesn’t reinvent the community solar model, it does offer a clear federal framework for scaling it up: mandating utility participation, requiring affordable subscription models, and prioritizing equity. In a political moment where clean energy access is under threat, Luján’s legislation offers a practical, popular counterpunch.

“Every family deserves access to affordable, clean energy—no matter their zip code or housing situation. Too many Americans are locked out of rooftop solar because they rent their homes, live in multi-family buildings or can’t afford the upfront costs. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act helps break down these barriers by expanding access to shared solar projects, allowing more Americans to save money on their electric bills and benefit from the clean energy economy.” — Rep. Kathy Castor