Trump Administration Likely To Cut Billions From Biden’s Solar Funding

Trump Administration to Cut $7 Billion in Solar Subsidies

The Trump administration is reportedly set to eliminate $7 billion in solar subsidies established during the Biden era, as reported by the New York Times.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is said to be preparing letters to end funding for 60 nonprofits and state agencies that received taxpayer money under the Biden administration’s solar initiatives. This move follows an audit that the EPA initiated in March. As part of its efforts, the agency is also looking to distribute $200 billion in grants through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a significant portion of which, $27 billion, was introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act.

An EPA spokesperson indicated that this action is meant to ensure the law’s implementation aligns with Congressional intent.

According to the Times, the EPA plans to send out notification letters this week. The Biden administration’s “Solar for All” initiative aimed to increase solar energy access in low-income and disadvantaged communities, promoting broader environmental justice across the U.S. by 2050. Interestingly, this initiative has also funded solar energy projects in areas not typically known for sunshine.

One notable beneficiary of the Solar for All program was the Bullard Center for Environmental Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, which received $156 million. Robert Bullard, a prominent figure in environmental justice, leads the center. The program has reportedly faced scrutiny for providing substantial funds to its advisory members.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced plans to cut several environmental justice grants, restating the agency’s responsibility to return taxpayer dollars. This sentiment aligns with the EPA’s foundational mission to safeguard public health and the environment. Additionally, the agency has paused a $20 billion grant allocation to various green organizations under the GGRF, hinting at ongoing legal disputes surrounding these funds.