Politics
Federal judge blocks EPA's termination of $7 billion low-income solar initiative
A Rhode Island district judge ruled the agency lacked authority to rescind funding for the Solar for All program.
The short version
- U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy vacated the EPA's August 2025 termination of the $7 billion Solar for All program.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- The court ruled that the EPA acted without statutory authority and against congressional intent when rescinding the grant funding.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- The EPA stated that it is currently reviewing the judicial ruling and evaluating potential options for an appeal.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Key facts
- District Judge Mary McElroy vacated the EPA's August 2025 termination of the $7 billion Solar for All initiative.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- The Solar for All program was designed to provide solar access to over 900,000 low-income households.[ABC News]
- The $7 billion program was originally created under the 2022 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- The Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Rhode Island Center for Justice, and Solar United Neighbors were among the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether the EPA will file an appeal against the ruling and when grant administration might officially resume.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.