Over 100 House Democrats in the US have joined forces to urge the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)to reinstate funding for the Solar for All programme.This follows Harris County's decision to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the EPA announced the termination of the programme and demanded the return of$7 billion in funds.
On 7 August,the EPA formally ended the programme and instructed grant recipients to return a total of$7 billion,citing the need to comply with the Trump administration’s withdrawal plan.Notably,Houston Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher played a key role in legislating for the programme three years ago.
She explained that Solar for All is a significant renewable energy project on a large scale.In Texas,Harris County led the formation of a statewide coalition which won one of five national awards and secured$250 million in grants.This funding will provide solar equipment and battery storage systems for almost 30,000 households across the state.Fletcher emphasised that the programme aims to create thousands of well-paid jobs,boost US manufacturing,and improve grid reliability.
She noted that these positive impacts are already emerging in areas such as Houston,Port Arthur and Waco.Training programmes focusing on certifying local Texas workers in solar installation and energy efficiency skills are also underway.The programme supports the interests of consumers and workers while delivering multiple environmental and economic benefits.
In order to push for the programme’s reinstatement,Fletcher led 100 House Democrats in sending a joint letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.The letter clearly calls for the reinstatement of Solar for All and the return of the recovered funds.At the time of writing,Zeldin’s office had not yet responded to this request.
Fletcher pointed out that the joint pressure effort addresses a core issue at the heart of the matter.She said that it essentially constitutes a rejection of the Trump administration’s ongoing attempts to consolidate power and override the roles of Congress,the courts,and other government branches.She added that this is yet another example of the administration ignoring laws passed by Congress and arbitrarily revoking or dismissing programmes initiated by Congress.
Harris County’s lawsuit against the Trump administration is ongoing.It remains to be seen whether the joint pressure from House Democrats will prompt the EPA to adjust its decision and what the future holds for the Solar for All programme.
