EPA prepares to repeal solar energy grants for Puerto Rico communities

By The Star Staff

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering terminating its $7 billion Solar for All program that was designed to bring renewable and affordable energy to low-income communities nationwide, including Puerto Rico.

The information was revealed by CBS News, citing unnamed sources, and the news of EPA preparations to terminate the solar grants program was reported in the Star on Thursday via The New York Times.

The Solar for All program provides funding to 60 grant recipients that planned to create or expand existing low-income solar programs, with the goal of enabling 900,000 households across the country in disadvantaged communities to utilize solar energy to reduce their home energy bills.

The Puerto Rico Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 2024 was awarded $156.1 million through the program to develop sustainable solar programs for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

CBS News said it had learned that the OMB reached out to the EPA about terminating the program. The EPA has not come to a final decision on the future of the program.

“With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, EPA is working to ensure Congressional intent is fully implemented in accordance with the law,” an EPA spokesperson told CBS News via email when asked if the agency intends to terminate Solar for All.

As of Tuesday night, none of the 60 grant recipients had been formally notified and said they still have access to grant funds. One source told CBS News that several senators, both Republicans and Democrats, have reached out to the EPA and asked it to reconsider, as many of the affected recipients are state energy and environmental offices in both red and blue states.