Rhode Island Judge Orders Reinstatement of $7 Billion Federal Solar Grant Program Canceled by Trump Administration
A U.S. District Court judge in Rhode Island, Mary S. McElroy, has ordered the reinstatement of the $7 billion 'Solar for All' grant program, which was canceled by the Trump administration in August 2025. The program, originally part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aimed to make solar panels more accessible to low-to-moderate-income homeowners and renters by offsetting installation costs. Funding had already been distributed in 2024 to state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribal organizations, including a $49.3 million allocation to Rhode Island's Office of Energy Resources. The Trump administration justified the cancellation by citing the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' signed in July 2025, which it claimed rescinded congressional authority for the program and clawed back unspent funds. However, Judge McElroy rejected this interpretation, stating that the federal agency overstepped its statutory authority and that Congress's intent was for already obligated funds to remain undisturbed.