Rep. Scholten, Michigan Democrats Call On Trump Administration To Reinstate Federal Funding That Would Help Michiganders Install Solar Panels, Lower Their Energy Bills
Michigan Is Losing $156 Million In Funding For Investments in Solar Energy
Cancelled Federal Grant Would Have Reduced Energy Costs For 6,300 Low-Income Households In Michigan
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten is leading all Michigan House Democrats in calling on the Trump Administration to reinstate federal funding for the Solar For All Program, an initiative to lower energy bills for low-income households by investing in residential solar projects. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) axed the program earlier this month, terminating $7 billion in grants for rooftop solar panels, community solar farms, and battery storage, including $156 million for Michigan alone. This funding would have reduced residential electricity bills by 20% for an estimated 16,300 low-income households in Michigan. In response to the Trump Administration’s reckless action, Representative Scholten is leading her colleagues in a letter urging a reversal in the program termination. The letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin was also signed by Representatives Debbie Dingell, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, and Shri Thanedar.
“We write to respectfully request the reinstatement of the recently terminated grants under the Congressionally approved, $7 billion Solar for All program,” wrote the members. “The Solar for All program is nowhere more important than in Michigan, where average residential electricity rates are among the highest in the Midwest and the nation. Our state was awarded $156.1 million in EPA grant funding. With this federal investment, Michigan sought to reduce costs for an estimated 16,300 low-income households, providing an average benefit equivalent to a 20% reduction on residential electric bills, or around $400 per family per year. The Solar for All program epitomizes the best of federal and state-level collaboration, and the EPA must fulfill Congress’s intent behind this grant program and restore grant awards.”
The full text of the letter is available here or below:
Administrator Zeldin:
We write to respectfully request the reinstatement of the recently terminated grants under the Congressionally approved, $7 billion Solar for All program. These Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dollars are critical for the state of Michigan’s Solar for All program. As such, we urge the EPA to reverse this catastrophic decision to ensure that Michiganders will not be saddled with increased utility costs and stifled economic development, all while hindering the state’s overall energy resilience.
Congress established the Solar for All program to pursue an all-of-the-above energy approach to lower costs for everyday Americans. This program was intended to support families who spend a disproportionate amount of their income on electricity bills. All the while, the program created good-paying jobs for Americans across the country. Ultimately, Congress’s intent for the Solar for All program mirrored many of the Trump Administration’s goals, including making life more affordable for Americans, as well as supporting domestic industries and job creation. By terminating these grant dollars, the EPA is undermining the President’s commitment to the American people.
The Solar for All program is nowhere more important than in Michigan, where average residential electricity rates are among the highest in the Midwest and the nation. Our state was awarded $156.1 million in EPA grant funding and worked to establish the MI Solar for All program. With this federal investment, Michigan sought to reduce costs for an estimated 16,300 low-income households, providing an average benefit equivalent to a 20% reduction on residential electric bills, or around $400 per family per year. The Solar for All program epitomizes the best of federal and state-level collaboration, and the EPA must fulfill Congress’s intent behind this grant program and restore grant awards.
The urgency and need for savings from Solar for All projects are clear. We stand ready to work with the EPA and the Trump Administration to reverse these terminations and ensure that Michiganders can benefit from lower utility costs, continued economic development, and heightened energy resilience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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