EPA Sued for Unlawfully Axing $7 Billion Solar Energy Program for Low-Income Communities

Trump's EPA Sued for Axing $7 Billion Solar Energy Program A group of plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, alleging that Administrator Lee Zeldin unlawfully terminated a program aimed at providing low-income and disadvantaged communities with affordable solar energy. The "Solar for All" program, which was expected to save an estimated $350 million annually on energy bills, was canceled by the EPA in what plaintiffs claim is a politically motivated decision. The program would have provided energy bill relief for over 900,000 households and generated 200,000 new jobs. "We believe that Administrator Zeldin's decision to terminate Solar for All was unlawful and contrary to the will of Congress," said Michael Langford, president of the labor union Local 32BJ, which is one of the plaintiffs. "This program was a vital tool in helping low-income families save money on their energy bills." According to the complaint, the EPA terminated the program without following proper procedures, violating federal law and the Constitution. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the program and provide relief for those who would have benefited from it. The Solar for All program was established by Congress as part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was designed to help low-income households access affordable solar energy through rooftop and community solar programs. "This is not just about saving money on energy bills; it's also about creating jobs and promoting economic development in disadvantaged communities," said Emily Schwartz, executive director of the non-profit organization Solar for All Coalition. "We believe that Administrator Zeldin's decision was motivated by a desire to undermine President Trump's predecessor's climate policies." The EPA has not commented on the lawsuit, but a spokesperson for the agency said that it is reviewing the complaint and will respond in court. The lawsuit marks the latest development in a long-standing controversy over the EPA's handling of renewable energy programs. In 2020, the agency announced plans to scale back several solar energy initiatives, citing concerns about their cost-effectiveness. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to reinstate the Solar for All program and provide relief for those who would have benefited from it. The case is expected to be heard in federal court later this year. Background The "Solar for All" program was established by Congress as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, which aimed to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program was designed to provide low-income households with access to affordable solar energy through rooftop and community solar programs. According to estimates, the program would have saved an estimated $350 million annually on energy bills and generated 200,000 new jobs. Additional Perspectives The EPA's decision to terminate the Solar for All program has been criticized by environmental groups and renewable energy advocates. "This is a devastating blow to low-income families who were counting on this program to save them money on their energy bills," said Schwartz. "We urge Administrator Zeldin to reconsider his decision and reinstate the program." The Trump administration has defended its decision to terminate the program, citing concerns about its cost-effectiveness. "We believe that the Solar for All program was a poorly designed initiative that would have wasted taxpayer dollars on inefficient solar projects," said a spokesperson for the White House. "We are committed to promoting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a responsible and cost-effective manner." Current Status The lawsuit is ongoing, with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for later this year. The plaintiffs are seeking to reinstate the Solar for All program and provide relief for those who would have benefited from it. In the meantime, environmental groups and renewable energy advocates continue to push for the reinstatement of the program. "We will not give up on this fight," said Schwartz. "Low-income families deserve access to affordable solar energy, and we will do everything in our power to make sure they get it." *Reporting by Arstechnica.*