EPA Sued Over Unlawful Axing 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 by the plaintiffs, including a labor union, several businesses, and a homeowner who cannot afford her electricity bills without it, the EPA's decision to end the program was made despite Congress' intention for it to continue. The program was expected to save an estimated $350 million on energy bills and generate thousands of new jobs in the solar industry.
The lawsuit claims that the EPA's actions were motivated by politics rather than a genuine effort to improve public health or protect the environment, as required by federal law. "This is not just about saving money on electricity bills; it's about creating economic opportunities for low-income communities," said Jane Smith, a plaintiff and homeowner who relies on the program to keep her lights on.
The Solar for All program was created in 2019 with bipartisan support from Congress, which allocated $7 billion over five years to fund community solar projects. However, when the statute that funded the program expired, the EPA claimed it had no choice but to terminate the program. But according to experts, this decision was not only unlawful but also contradicted the original intent of Congress.
"This is a clear example of the Trump administration's disregard for federal law and its commitment to protecting the environment," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an environmental policy expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "The EPA's actions will have devastating consequences for low-income communities who rely on this program to access affordable energy."
The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the Solar for All program and restore funding to support community solar projects. A hearing is scheduled for next month in federal court.
As the case unfolds, advocates for the program are urging lawmakers to take action to protect the interests of low-income communities. "We will continue to fight for this program because it's not just about saving money; it's about creating a more equitable and sustainable energy future," said Smith.
The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the fate of the Solar for All program hangs in the balance, and the consequences of its termination will be felt by low-income communities across the country.
This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica.
