"EPA Sued Over Shocking Axing of $7B Solar Program for Low-Income Families"

EPA Sued Over Unlawful Termination of $7 Billion Solar Energy Program for Low-Income Communities The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing a lawsuit over its decision to terminate the "Solar for All" program, which aimed to provide low-income households with affordable solar energy options. The plaintiffs argue that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's move was unlawful and violated federal law and the Constitution. According to court documents filed on Wednesday, the plaintiffs - including a labor union, several businesses, and a homeowner who cannot afford her electricity bills without it - claim that the EPA's decision to end the program was "politically motivated" and ignored Congressional intent. The Solar for All program was expected to save an estimated 350 million dollars on energy bills and generate thousands of new jobs in the solar industry. The lawsuit alleges that Congress intended for the program to continue despite repealing the statute that funded it, according to a group of plaintiffs who would have benefited from the EPA's "Solar for All" program. The plaintiffs argue that the EPA's actions were unlawful because they disregarded Congressional intent and ignored the potential benefits of the program. The Solar for All program was designed to help low-income and disadvantaged communities across the US save money on electricity bills through rooftop and community solar programs, according to a statement from the plaintiffs' lawyer. "This lawsuit is about holding the EPA accountable for its actions," said the lawyer. "We believe that the EPA's decision to terminate the Solar for All program was unlawful and we will fight to ensure that low-income communities have access to affordable solar energy options." The EPA has not commented on the lawsuit, but a spokesperson for the agency stated that they are reviewing the complaint and will respond accordingly. Background information on the Solar for All program reveals that it was part of a larger effort by Congress to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program was designed to provide low-income households with access to solar energy through community-based programs, which would allow them to save money on their electricity bills. The lawsuit is the latest development in a long-standing controversy over the EPA's handling of the Solar for All program. In 2022, Congress repealed the statute that funded the program, but lawmakers also included language in the bill indicating that they intended for the program to continue. As the lawsuit moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the plaintiffs will succeed in their bid to restore the Solar for All program and ensure that low-income communities have access to affordable solar energy options. This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica.