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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to terminate the Solar for All grant program which aimed to increase the availability of affordable solar energy in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The program was expected to reduce energy bills by 20% annually for participating households and create 200,000 new jobs nationwide. Connecticut officials, including Gov. Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong, have voiced strong disapproval of the decision and are exploring legal options to counter the action.
Connecticut Officials Express Disappointment Over Termination of Solar for All Grant Program
The Trump administration’s decision to end the Solar for All grant program has been met with strong backlash from Connecticut officials. They argue that this move would deny thousands of households in the state from harnessing clean, cost-effective solar energy.
Launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2024 under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the program had an initial funding of around $7 billion. Its primary objective was to increase access to affordable, clean solar energy in homes and communities all over the country, notably underprivileged and low-income communities.
The Solar for All program had predicted a 20% reduction in annual energy bills for families taking part in it, enabling them to save hundreds of dollars each year. Furthermore, it was projected to stimulate the creation of 200,000 jobs across the nation and prevent 30 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
Leading Connecticut officials, including Governor Ned Lamont, have criticized the Trump administration for spearheading the termination of this program. “At a time when households could benefit from transitioning to solar energy now more than ever, the Trump Administration is attempting to terminate a program that would lower energy costs for families and businesses while also delivering clean energy,” Lamont commented.
Lamont further pointed out that this move by the EPA was unlawful, stating that the funds belong to the taxpayers of Connecticut. He pledged to work with other states to resist this action.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressed even stronger disapproval, stating, “Once again, Donald Trump is seizing funds intended to lower costs for American families to pay tax breaks for billionaires. These funds were passed by Congress to reduce carbon pollution and to save money for low-income families getting socked right now by utility bills.”
Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, emphasized that this move by the EPA eliminates access to clean, cost-effective solar energy for thousands of residents. She mentioned how the program aided residents, particularly those in multi-family affordable housing, in benefiting from clean solar energy and its cost savings. “The program would also help us improve our air quality, which is among the worst in the nation, and make our electric grid more resilient,” Dykes remarked.
Following the program’s initial launch, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) applied for a grant on behalf of the state. DEEP was informed on April 22, 2024, that it had secured a $62.45 million grant. This grant was intended to aid thousands of Connecticut households in transitioning to solar energy, with multi-family affordable housing units being of particular interest.
DEEP had intended to build on the success of the state’s existing programs that promote solar expansion and storage system deployment such as the Residential Renewable Energy Solutions program and the Energy Storage Solutions program. Connecticut is among 60 recipients that secured grants through the program. However, with the termination of the program, the futures of these recipients are now uncertain.
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