Harris County sues EPA over $250M solar funding cut
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Harris County is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for canceling about $250 million for solar energy initiatives in Texas.
Why it matters: The lawsuit, filed this week, argues that the EPA unlawfully eliminated funding meant to expand solar access for low-income households across Texas.
State of play: The $7 billion Biden-era Solar for All program was meant to help lower-income families access solar panels and battery storage systems, saving participants roughly $1,740 annually on their utility bills, per county officials.
Catch up quick: Harris County led other municipalities across the state — including Austin, Dallas County, San Antonio and Waco — in winning $249.7 million in grants from Solar for All in 2024. Of that, $54 million was designated for Harris County.
- After President Trump took office, the program's funding was frozen for months.
- In August, the EPA officially terminated the program, citing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Zoom in: Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee argues in the lawsuit that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides "no authority for EPA's elimination decision."
- Menefee also wrote that the cancellation "jeopardizes the County's ability to deliver critical infrastructure promised to create thousands of well-paying jobs, protect residents from extreme weather by reinforcing the county's electrical grid, and reduce energy costs for tens of thousands of low-income households."
What they're saying: Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones called the decision "highly irresponsible," citing the county's vulnerability during recent hurricanes and winter freezes.
The other side: "EPA no longer has the authority to administer the program or the appropriated funds to keep this boondoggle alive," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in August.
- "EPA is taking action to end this program for good. We are committed to the rule of law and being a good steward of taxpayer dollars," he said.
- The EPA declined to comment on the lawsuit since it's a pending litigation.
Zoom out: On Thursday, more than 20 states sued the EPA over the cancellation of solar funding — the latest in a string of challenges that includes Harris County's own lawsuit and one filed last week by labor and community groups.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with the EPA's response to Axios' request for comment and information about a multistate lawsuit that seeks to restore solar funding.