The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking to allocate $7 billion, as part of the Biden administration’s effort, to help provide rooftop solar power for underserved communities.
Through a program initiated during the Biden era, funds were distributed by the federal government to around 60 entities, which include states, nonprofits, tribal groups, and local governments.
These groups are expected to use these funds for subgrants aimed at installing solar energy systems, taking advantage of the $7 billion made available through the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced via a post on social media that he intends to shut down the program known as Solar for Everyone.
In a video linked to his announcement, he stated, “In reality, little money is spent.”
He added, “Recipients are still in the early planning stages, and not yet engaged in building or construction.”
This isn’t the first instance of the EPA attempting to reclaim funds during the Biden administration. Earlier efforts included seeking $20 billion in “Green Bank” funding, aimed at solar initiatives, which have been distributed to various organizations.
However, in the meantime, Republicans have introduced a major bill designed to eliminate what they consider “wasteful balances” within the $7 billion fund.
The situation may lead to legal battles over what defines “non-blinded” money that could be cut from the program.
In his video proclamation, Zeldin argued that the agency lacks the authority to manage the program or allocate funds to keep it running.
Yet, at least some recipients are prepared to fight back.
After the EPA’s plans were initially reported, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs issued a statement saying, “All Arizonan solar belongs to the Arizonans, and I refuse to let it go without a fight.”
She criticized the decision further, saying, “President Trump has campaigned on reducing costs and creating jobs; preventing access to solar power for everyone is the complete opposite. I urge the administration to reverse this reckless decision that could make our air dirtier, increase our energy bills, and hurt the economy. I will continue to advocate for the clean, affordable energy that Arizonans need and deserve, without the federal government stripping this program away.”
