AG James Sues EPA Over Illegal Solar Funding Cut

New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined forces with a coalition of plaintiffs in a twin legal offensive against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuits, filed in the Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, aim to protect billions in grant funding meant to provide affordable solar power to vulnerable communities across the nation.

In what critics call a brazen attack on clean energy initiatives, the EPA abruptly terminated the Solar for All (SFA) program, which was designed to connect nearly one million households with low-cost home solar power. The move, which occurred in August 2025, effectively revoked nearly $250 million allocated for New York alone.

‘Providing more communities with affordable clean energy will help lower energy bills and tackle the climate crisis,’ James stated. ‘The EPA’s cancellation of Solar for All is illegal and unconstitutional, and I will keep fighting to ensure our communities have access to these funds.’

The program, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, was expected to significantly benefit low-income and vulnerable households by offering them a cost-effective solution to reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) had been awarded $249,800,000 in SFA funding, which was poised to be used to develop and implement solar projects across the state.

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed James’ sentiments, noting that the cancellation of the program directly contradicts President’s claims of seeking U.S. energy independence. ‘The federal government should be partnering with states to advance clean energy,’ said Hochul, ‘but instead, they are forcing hard-working Americans to choose between essentials as electricity costs soar.’

The coalition argues that the EPA’s termination of the SFA program is not only unlawful but also has a devastating impact on the clean energy industry and the families who rely on these funds for financial relief. The lawsuits seek court orders declaring the administration’s actions unlawful, as well as damages for the terminated grants.

RELATED: Border Crosser Walks Free, Gets One-Way Ticket Home

RELATED: WI Woman Gets 18 Months for Role in Fentanyl Pipeline