Judge Blocks Trump EPA Cancellation of $243 Million in Solar Funding for Oregon and Washington
A federal court ruling has revived a $7 billion solar program that could restore nearly $243 million in federal funding for solar projects serving low-income households in Oregon and Washington.
Federal Court Revives Solar for All program
A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled Friday that the Trump administration unlawfully terminated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program, which was created under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The judge vacated the EPA’s termination of grants awarded to states, tribes and nonprofit organizations.
The EPA said it is reviewing the decision and considering an appeal. Other lawsuits over the cancellation are also pending.
Nearly $243 million awarded to Oregon and Washington
The Solar for All program was intended to expand access to solar power in low-income and disadvantaged communities, with the federal grants supporting projects intended to reduce electricity costs and improve energy resilience. Oregon was awarded $86.6 million in 2024 through the program.
The Oregon Department of Energy said the funding had already been obligated to the state and that the Oregon Solar for All Coalition had begun spending administrative funds to prepare the program before the EPA moved to cancel the grants in 2025.
Oregon’s program is designed to serve more than 8,000 low-income households through financial and technical assistance for residential solar, multifamily housing, community solar and workforce development.
Washington received a $156 million award. The Washington State Department of Commerce said the EPA’s attempted termination forced the state to pause its Solar for All programming. Its planned projects include solar assistance for income-qualified homeowners, renters, multifamily housing and tribal communities.
Together, the Oregon and Washington awards total about $242.6 million. But the ruling does not guarantee that the money will immediately become available- it puts both states’ previously awarded grants back into play while the legal fight continues.