The EPA killed $7B of Congressionally Approved Solar for Low Income Housing

 The lawsuit seeks to force the EPA to reinstate the program, which was designed to help low-income households access solar power and create jobs. 

A coalition of labor unions, solar companies, and environmental groups has sued the EPA for rescinding $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program, arguing the termination was illegal and violates congressionally approved funding. The lawsuit seeks to force the EPA to reinstate the program, which was designed to help low-income households access solar power and create jobs. 

Key Details of the Lawsuit

• Plaintiffs: The lawsuit was filed by a group including multiple states, labor unions, solar installation companies, nonprofits, and homeowners impacted by the program's cancellation.
• Defendant: The lawsuit names the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its administrator, Lee Zeldin.
• Program: The canceled program, called Solar for All, was established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to provide funds to states, tribes, and municipalities to develop solar programs for low-income communities.
• Legal Basis: The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration's termination of the program violated federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution.
• Goal: The plaintiffs want a federal judge to declare the termination unlawful, set it aside, and order the EPA to restore the program. 

Why the Program Was Canceled

• EPA administrator Lee Zeldin stated the program was a "boondoggle" with no authority to remain, according to a statement from the Trump administration.
• Congress had previously repealed some parts of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, but the lawsuit argues this did not include the already obligated funds for the Solar for All program. 

Expected Impact of the Program's Cancellation

• Jobs: The termination of the program is expected to kill jobs in the solar industry.
• Energy Costs: The loss of the program could drive up electricity prices for families.
• Access to Solar: Nearly 900,000 low-income households could lose access to affordable solar energy.