| Houston, Texas – Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee announced today that Harris County has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and EPA Award Official Devon Brown, challenging the Trump administration's decision to unlawfully terminate the Solar for All program. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to restore Harris County's $54 million grant—the largest Solar for All award in the nation. The grant, part of $250 million awarded to the Texas Solar for All Coalition, was designed to lower energy costs for low-income families, create clean energy jobs, and expand access to affordable solar power across disadvantaged Texas communities. "The Trump administration is breaking the law to score political points, and Harris County residents shouldn’t have to pay that price," said Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. "Congress appropriated this funding, EPA awarded it to Harris County after a rigorous competitive process. The administration's attempt to claw back these obligated funds is not only unlawful and sets us back at a time when we should be doing everything we can to build resilience, cut energy costs, add power to the grid, and support job growth in places that need it most."
Working families in Harris County deserve lower light bills, good jobs, and a safer climate. Solar for All would deliver this by cutting household energy costs by about 20% - roughly $400 a year - while creating local, good-paying jobs, fighting climate change, and strengthening our grid. These are critical issues for the people of Harris County, especially in working class and lower income neighborhoods that shoulder higher energy burdens. The Trump Administration’s decision to terminate this grant is a broken promise to families who were counting on support. I fully support County Attorney Menefee’s lawsuit to protect these funds. It’s common sense: keep families stable, healthy, safe, and supported,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis. "Solar for All represents real progress — the kind that would make life a little easier for the families I serve. I’m proud that on day one of becoming Commissioner of Precinct 2, I made reliable energy a priority. While it has been a journey to get to this point, I am proud that Harris County continues to fight for smart energy investments that will reduce costs and help the economy. Generating more electricity is not part of a political agenda, power is not partisan, and fuel for our first responders should not be controversial. We need to produce more energy to sustain the growth across Texas, and I hope the courts will see it this way too," said Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “The federal government terminating Harris County’s Solar For All funding is highly irresponsible. During Hurricane Beryl and two winter freezes, families with unreliable power experienced dangerous and deadly outcomes. With increasingly frequent, extreme weather events, we must urgently strengthen our energy infrastructure to protect our communities and create affordable, reliable energy options. The $249.7 million Solar For All grant is a needed investment to do this. As Commissioner for Precinct 4, home to the Energy Corridor, I will not stand by and allow partisan politics to drag us backwards; I will fight so that Harris County is leading the global energy transition for the safety and benefit of our families and region” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.
“Harris County was counting on Solar for All funding to expand access to clean energy, lower energy costs, and make our community more resilient. This funding would have gone a long way in helping our community continue to lead the clean energy transition, which is why last year my office helped lead the charge to apply for this historic funding in the first place. I am grateful to the County Attorney’s Office for stepping up to fight for clean energy, economic growth, and green jobs when our federal government won’t,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. "Texas Solar for All, led by Harris County, was a historic $250 million investment aimed at expanding solar access to low-income communities, creating thousands of local jobs, and strengthening our energy security. By reducing energy costs for 28,100 households across Texas, families could reinvest those savings in healthcare, housing, education, and other critical needs. If the program is cut short, it would be a setback for Texans, especially those already struggling with rising costs and vulnerable to natural disasters. Thousands of jobs would be at risk, and communities would lose an opportunity to become more energy resilient. Harris County remains committed to fighting for the future of this vital program and will continue advocating for its full implementation,” said Jesse Dickerman, Interim County Administrator. The Solar for All program was created through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and represents a historic $7 billion investment in bringing clean, affordable energy to underserved communities nationwide. The Texas Solar for All Coalition, spanning urban, suburban, and rural areas across the state, serves more than half of all Texans living in disadvantaged communities. Harris County is seeking a court order declaring EPA's termination unlawful and restoring full access to the Solar for All grant funds. |