Judge Restores $7 Billion Solar Program for 900,000

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy on September 18, 2026, vacated the EPA’s termination of the $7 billion Solar for All program, meant for more than 900,000 lower-income Americans. The Trump appointee wrote that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act “did not convert SFA funding into a lump-sum amount subject to EPA’s discretion” and that Congress’s clear intent was that EPA continue to administer already obligated grants. EPA had rescinded the funds in August 2025 after that law passed; the program began under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Rhode Island Center for Justice, and Solar United Neighbors sued. Nick Torrey said EPA broke the law when it killed the program and pocketed the money. Patrick Crowley called the decision a big victory that could create thousands of union jobs. Alex St. Pierre said communities have waited long enough. No contested claims found. The EPA is reviewing the decision and considering an appeal.