Republican from Pennsylvania Received Solar Panel Funding from Biden Legislation He Previously Opposed

Rep. Mike Kelly Receives Grant to Install Solar Panels

Grant for Solar Panel Installation

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) obtained a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install solar panels at one of his car dealership locations. The grant, totaling nearly $315,000, will support the installation of a 261.9-kilowatt solar panel array, resulting in an annual saving of $23,700 in energy costs for the firm.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

The grant was distributed through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) by the USDA. The program, in existence since 2018, saw a significant boost in funding due to the Inflation Reduction Act, injecting an additional $1 billion into its resources. The federal government plans to distribute this funding through grants to rural businesses over 2023 and 2024.

Grant Repercussions

Despite Rep. Kelly’s criticism of the Inflation Reduction Act, his spokesperson emphasized his support for an all-of-the-above energy policy. Additionally, Kelly’s ownership stake in the Mike Kelly Automotive Group, which received the grant, was disclosed in his financial statements.

Political Response

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s district, south of Kelly’s area, is where the dealership is located. Kelly’s Democratic opponent, Preston Nouri, has urged him to return the grant money. Nouri has criticized Kelly for accepting funds that benefit his business while allegedly working against the interests of his constituents.

Challenger in 2024 Elections

In the upcoming 2024 elections, Preston Nouri, a 25-year-old legislative analyst, is challenging Rep. Kelly for his seat. Nouri has called for Kelly to return the grant money received by his family’s business, citing a pattern of using taxpayer funds for personal gain.

Previous Controversies

Kelly has faced scrutiny for his opposition to student debt cancellation while benefiting from significant Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. His close ties to former President Donald Trump and his stance on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot have also drawn attention.

Support Independent Journalism

At HuffPost, we strive to provide free access to high-quality journalism for everyone. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue our mission of delivering well-researched news and analysis during critical times like the 2024 elections.

Join Us Today

Help us keep our stories free for all by contributing as little as $2. Your support is essential in ensuring that our journalism remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Stay Informed, Stay Engaged

As Americans prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, staying informed through reliable journalism is crucial. With your support, we can continue to provide in-depth coverage and valuable insights into the political landscape of our country.

Read More of this Story at www.huffpost.com – 2024-05-01 12:04:56