EPA Partly Unblocks NV Solar Funds, School & Tribal Aid Uncertain
TL/DR –
A US federal judge has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lift a funding freeze on $156 million for Nevada community solar projects, following an executive order by President Donald Trump. Despite the order, some funds, including $7.7 million for the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and a $20 million Community Change Grant for the Walker River Paiute Tribe, remain frozen. The Nevada Clean Energy Fund will continue to push for the release of these funds, which could help reduce energy costs for communities, families, and schools while driving economic growth in Nevada.
Federal Judge Orders EPA to Lift Freeze on Nevada’s Community Solar Funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unfrozen $156 million in community solar funding for Nevada, following a federal judge’s order. However, other programs’ funds are still on hold.
Nevada Clean Energy Fund Regains Access to Millions in Climate-Related Program Funding
On Monday, a federal judge commanded the Trump administration to lift the funding freeze on climate-related programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and Inflation Reduction Act. This decision allowed the Nevada Clean Energy Fund to regain access to millions in funding legally due to the state on Friday.
Restoration of Full Funding for Solar Projects Across Nevada
According to Kirsten Stasio, the CEO for the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, as of February 7, 2025, the full $156 million of Solar for All award funds is accessible, which should ensure continued investment in solar energy projects.
EPA Funds Frozen by Trump Administration’s Executive Order
The EPA funds were frozen on Jan. 20, following an executive order by President Donald Trump which called for an immediate halt of energy grants, loans, and contracts funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
Remaining Frozen Funds Affecting Nevada’s Clean School Bus Program & Community Change Grants
Despite the court order, not all funds have been returned, including $7.7 million owed to Nevada under the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, and Nevada’s legally obligated Community Change Grants. These funds are critical for energy upgrades, deployment of new electric school buses, and developing water infrastructure and community solar energy for the Walker River Paiute Tribe.
Nevada Clean Energy Fund Advocates for Access to Legally Obligated Solar Funds
Stasio stated that the Nevada Clean Energy Fund will continue to push for the protection of these funds, which will allow the state to further reduce energy costs for families, communities, and schools, driving economic growth across Nevada.
Creation of Nevada Clean Energy Fund & Challenges Over Freezing Contractually Obligated Funds
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund was established in 2017 under Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval. Several states, including Nevada, are challenging the Trump administration over freezing contractually obligated funds.
Nevada AG Joins Coalition Suing Trump Administration Over Unlawful Funding Freeze
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined 23 attorneys generals in a motion asking the court to enforce an order to lift the funding freeze. Ford stated that his office will continue to fight against any unlawful actions by the Trump administration.
Impact of Continued Funding Freeze
The motion warns that without access to federal funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, several states could face immediate cash shortfalls, hindering basic programs like healthcare and food for children.
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