The Trump administration’s alleged plans to terminate grants that support the program could jeopardize Maine’s attempts to assist low-income individuals in connecting to solar electricity.
Maine’s Solar for All ambitions are currently facing yet another round of uncertainty. The government momentarily suspended the state’s $62 million grant this winter before resuming financing.
The Environmental Protection Agency is now considering permanently terminating the program.
According to Dan Burgess, director of the Maine Governor’s Energy Office, the agency has not heard from EPA regarding ending the program and can still use grant funding.
“But news reports regarding the EPA’s possible removal of Solar for All “are frightening and raise substantial legal problems,” Burgess said in a statement.
“Ending this award would deprive Maine people access to affordable solar, energy storage, and job training that supports the electricians, installers and construction workers we need to help meet Maine’s energy and economic needs today and into the future,” Burgess stated.
According to the energy office, the state’s Solar for All initiative is still in the planning stages and should be launched in 2026.
Three years ago, the Inflation Reduction Act created the nationwide program. In order to assist states and tribes in offering affordable solar power to those that cannot afford solar panels or are unable to put them on their rental homes or flats, it awarded $7 billion in grants.
Representative Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine and the representative for Maine’s First District, called on EPA to change its mind and immediately stop attempts to “illegally terminate” prizes granted under the program approved by Congress.
“Not only would this action undermine congressional intent, it would also threaten investments that will lower energy costs for American families across the country,” Pingree stated.
In an email, the EPA stated that it is striving to guarantee that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, President Trump’s tax and spending plan, accurately reflects Congressional intent.
Regarding the Solar for All initiative, the agency has not yet reached a final conclusion.
