Arizona sues EPA over canceled solar program funds

PHOENIX (KVOA) — Attorney General Kris Mayes is leading a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The lawsuit accuses the EPA of unlawfully terminating a $7 billion solar energy program aimed at reducing energy costs and pollution for over 900,000 low-income households nationwide.

The Solar for All program, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, was designed to deploy solar energy projects in disadvantaged areas. Arizona was awarded nearly $156 million for its Solar for All Arizonans initiative, which planned to create jobs and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

“Arizona families are already facing sky-high electricity bills,” Mayes said. “I will not let the EPA wriggle out of its commitment to fund solar energy projects.”

The EPA ended the program two months ago, reclaiming most of the funds, which left Arizona and other states unable to proceed with their solar plans.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleges the EPA violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s Separation of Powers Doctrine. This complaint is supported by several states, including California, New York, and Washington.

In a related case filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Arizona and other plaintiffs argue the EPA breached grant agreements. They seek damages and fees for the program’s cancellation.

Attorney General Mayes, with a history of advocating for renewable energy, is determined to hold the EPA accountable for its actions.

 A copy of today’s complaint is available here.