Power Forward Communitites

If just watch or read the mainstream news you wouldn’t know the following:

Power Forward Communities is a coalition formed in October 2023 to advance residential decarbonization and energy efficiency upgrades across the U.S., with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. Here’s its key background: Founding and Structure • Coalition Members: Led by five national organizations: • United Way Worldwide • Habitat for Humanity International • Enterprise Community Partners • Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) • Rewiring America (a nonprofit advocating for electrification policies) The coalition has since expanded to include 321 partner organizations across 46 states. • Funding: Awarded a $2 billion grant in April 2024 through the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This was one of eight GGRF grants totaling $20 billion. Mission and Strategy Primary Goals: • Reduce household energy costs through electrification (e.g., heat pumps, solar panels, EV chargers). • Cut residential greenhouse gas emissions, which account for 42% of U.S. climate pollution. • Prioritize low-income, rural, Tribal, and disadvantaged communities (75% of funds earmarked for these groups). • Approach: • Simplify access to federal incentives and tax credits. • Provide low-interest financing for home upgrades. • Partner with contractors and manufacturers to reduce installation costs by up to 50%. Controversies and Political Ties Stacey Abrams’ Involvement: • Abrams serves as senior counsel at Rewiring America, a coalition leader. • Two nonprofits she founded—Southern Economic Advancement Project and Fair Count—are listed as partners. Ethical Concerns: • Critics highlighted the $2 billion grant to a coalition formed just months prior, which reported $100 in revenue during its initial tax year. Two notes: these are NONPROFITS and the Money doesn’t go to Abrams directly. • EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the award “fraud” and part of a pattern of funneling taxpayer funds to politically aligned groups. (Rhetorical not factual or legal opinion. ) Current Status As of February 2025, Power Forward Communities is finalizing financial products and partnerships to deploy upgrades nationwide, with implementation expected to begin later this year. The coalition’s work remains under scrutiny for its rapid funding allocation and political connections