EPA halts $15M in Maine energy efficiency funding
TL/DR –
Efficiency Maine has lost access to $15 million in federal funding from the Biden-era Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, designed to boost clean energy and energy efficient projects. The funding was terminated as part of the Trump administration’s mission to seek out potential fraud and misuse of public funds. Despite the loss, Efficiency Maine’s Executive Director, Michael Stoddard, has assured that the organization’s daily operations, loan issuing, and rebate programs for energy efficient improvements will continue, albeit the loan program may not last as long.
Efficiency Maine Loses $15M in Federal Funds for Clean Energy Projects
Efficiency Maine will no longer receive $15 million of federal funding aimed at supporting clean energy and energy-efficient ventures in the state. This fund was created through the Biden-led Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $20 billion clean bank initiative. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cessation of this funding as part of the Trump administration’s mission to counter supposed public funds’ fraud and misuse.
Impact on Efficiency Maine’s Operations
Despite the loss, Efficiency Maine Executive Director, Michael Stoddard, confirmed that the organization’s operations will not be disrupted. He emphasized that the body’s ability to provide loans and rebates for heat pumps and other efficiency improvements remains unaffected. Stoddard encouraged the public to continue with their projects as the federal grant’s loss does not impact the existing rebates.
Implication for Energy-Efficient Upgrades Loan Fund
The $15 million grant was initially intended to enhance Efficiency Maine’s loan fund that offers low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades. Although the loan program will continue without the grant, its sustainability might be affected, according to Stoddard.
Legal Actions Against the Funding Freeze
Various non-profits, including the Coalition for Green Capitol from where Efficiency Maine had received the sub-grant, are now suing the EPA and the Trump Administration to release the frozen funds.
Maine’s Response to the Cuts
Despite the funding cuts, Maine has the advantage of a decade of clean energy prioritizing policy-making at the state level, Stoddard noted. He pointed out that Efficiency Maine has existing programs and funding streams to maintain the work they’ve been doing. He assured that the organization would still be alright without the additional funding from the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act).
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