Nearly two dozen US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block its move to terminate a $7 billion Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative designed to expand solar energy access in low-income communities.
States challenge rollback of clean-energy funding
The legal action, led by California, New York, and Massachusetts, argues that the administration’s decision to end the programme violates federal law and undermines commitments already made to disadvantaged regions. The EPA’s Solar for All initiative, launched under the Inflation Reduction Act, was set to fund rooftop and community solar projects across 60 state and local jurisdictions.
Impact on low-income households
The grants were intended to lower energy costs for households struggling with high utility bills while accelerating the transition toward renewable energy. Several states had already begun deploying funds, partnering with local authorities and non-profits to install solar infrastructure in affordable-housing areas. Officials now warn that halting the programme could disrupt thousands of projects and cost hundreds of local jobs.
White House defends decision
A spokesperson for the administration said the move was necessary to “re-evaluate wasteful spending and restore fiscal discipline,” claiming the programme lacked sufficient oversight. Critics, however, argue that the decision represents a broader political effort to roll back climate and clean-energy measures established under the previous Biden administration.
Growing political and legal tension
The lawsuit adds to a series of ongoing legal challenges between the states and the federal government over environmental policy reversals. Legal experts expect the case to reach the appellate courts quickly, given the size of the programme and its social equity implications.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 17 October 2025
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