The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the termination of the $7bn solar energy grant programme, designed to promote the adoption of solar power in low-income communities across the country, as reported by Reuters.
In a video post on social media, Administrator Zeldin stated: "EPA no longer has the authority to administer the programme or the appropriated funds to keep this boondoggle alive.”
The move follows July 2025's enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by President Donald Trump, effectively removing funding for the initiative.
The decision aligns with President Trump's broader strategy to reduce federal support for renewable energies such as solar and wind power, which he has criticised as costly and unreliable.
Since its establishment during former President Joe Biden's administration, the Solar for All programme has awarded grants in 2024 to 60 nonprofit groups, tribes and states.
At its inception, it was projected that one million households would benefit from reduced electricity costs and lower emissions across most states in America.
Among those affected by this cancellation is Groundswell, a non-profit organisation.
Groundswell CEO Michelle Moore expressed disappointment over the cancellation, noting that her organisation's $156m grant was intended to help reduce electricity expenses for more than 17,000 households in eight Southern states through the establishment of solar projects in rural areas.
She remains hopeful that efforts may be made to salvage the programme.
In an interview, Moore stated: "A tweet is not a termination. Last time I checked, affordability, and energy affordability specifically, was a priority for this administration."
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) also recently retracted its support for the 1GW Lava Ridge wind project in southern Idaho.
The withdrawal is part of a larger effort to align with President Donald Trump’s executive order, which mandates a halt to permitting for wind projects across the nation.
The project received approval from the Biden administration in December 2024.
