Larson Urges Trump Admin to Reinstate Solar for All Funding

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Rep. John B. Larson has called for the immediate restoration of funding for the Solar for All program, which was authorized by Congress through the Inflation Reduction Act and is said to have been illegally cancelled. He sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with other representatives, demanding the reinstatement of the program, arguing that its termination would cause economic uncertainty, job losses, and harm the electric grid. The Solar for All program was expected to create 200,000 jobs nationwide and save households an estimated $350 million a year on their energy bills.

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U.S. Representative John B. Larson Calls for Immediate Restoration of Solar for All Funding

East Hartford, CT – U.S. Representative John B. Larson (CT-01) is advocating for the immediate restoration of the Solar for All program. This initiative was approved by Congress as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, a bill that Larson himself assisted in authoring and passing in 2022.

Effects of Solar for All Cancellation

Larson stated that the abrupt cancellation of the Solar for All program will negatively impact thousands of households in Connecticut, leading to an increase in electricity bills and causing a significant number of job losses. He estimated that without this program, Americans could lose out on potential savings of $350 million on utility bills. Larson criticized the current administration’s priorities, highlighting the pressing need to address climate change and foster job creation.

Letter to EPA Administrator

Together with 100 House Democrats, including Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Larson has penned a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the Solar for All program.

Lawmakers’ Appeal

In their letter, the lawmakers expressed disappointment over the EPA’s abrupt termination of the Solar for All grants. They argued that this decision not only undermines the efforts of states and nonprofit organizations that have invested years in applying for grants and developing solar programs, but also fosters economic uncertainty and diminishes the confidence in the Federal government as a reliable partner.

Demand for Reinstatement

The lawmakers further insisted on the immediate reinstatement of the Solar for All program, warning that the rescission of these grants would lead to significant job losses, deprive households of expected energy savings, and stall anticipated economic benefits. They stressed that such reckless actions undermine the resilience of the nation’s electric grid, which is crucial now more than ever. The lawmakers’ complete letter can be viewed online.

Program Benefits and Legal Challenge

The Solar for All program was projected to generate 200,000 jobs nationwide and provide estimated annual energy bill savings of $350 million for American families. Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong, earlier this month, initiated a multi-state lawsuit to challenge the illegitimate termination of the Solar for All funding.

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