The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled a $7 billion program meant to help more than 900,000 low-income households install solar panels. The program, called Solar for All, was part of President Biden’s push to expand clean energy and lower power bills.
The funding was originally given to 60 recipients — including states, tribes, and regions — for projects like rooftop solar and community solar gardens. Solar energy is a renewable power source that can cut pollution and reduce electricity costs.
Under President Donald Trump, the administration has rolled back many environmental rules and supported fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Just last week, the EPA proposed removing the “endangerment finding,” a rule that allows the government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the program’s funding authority was removed under a tax-and-spending law signed by Trump last month. That law ended the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which had set aside $20 billion for clean energy projects, including the $7 billion Solar for All program.
“EPA no longer has the authority or money to keep this program going,” Zeldin said. “We are ending Solar for All for good, saving taxpayers another $7 billion.”
Senator Bernie Sanders, who introduced the program, strongly disagreed and called the move illegal.
“Solar for All means lower bills, good-paying jobs, and real action against climate change,” Sanders said. “At a time when families are struggling with high energy costs and the planet is in crisis, ending this program is absolutely wrong. We will fight to save it.”
So far, only $53 million of the $7 billion has been spent. Many grant recipients say their projects were still in the planning stage, and several have warned they will take the EPA to court.
Environmental groups and industry leaders argue the EPA has no legal power to cancel funds already approved by Congress. They say solar is one of the cheapest energy sources available and important for meeting future energy needs.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse called the cancellation a “betrayal” that could increase electricity prices and weaken the power grid.
