Vasquez Demands EPA Reinstate Solar for All Program After Illegal Termination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 24, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) led a call demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) immediately reverse its termination of the Solar for All program — a key initiative that was created to lower energy costs for working families and increase good-paying energy jobs. 

In a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Rep. Vasquez opposed the agency’s decision to terminate the program and claw back lawfully obligated funds from important projects throughout the country. New Mexico was using these funds to install solar energy systems for low- and middle-income families, support people living on Tribal land without connection to the grid, and collaborate with local utilities to reduce energy costs in rural areas. 

The letter states that the move has no legal basis, directly violates congressional intent, and would cause “economic uncertainty” for states and nonprofits that have already invested millions of dollars in workforce development and community partnerships.

“Cutting the Solar for All program is not just unlawful — it kicks New Mexico working class families down that were counting on these investments to lower their utility bills,” said Vasquez. “This program meant real savings, real jobs, and real opportunities for clean, renewable energy development. I’m demanding that the EPA do the right thing and reinstate Solar for All funding immediately.”

The EPA’s decision to rescind funding threatens to strip New Mexico of $156 million in federal investment meant to expand access to affordable solar energy. This translates to over 20,000 families losing access to affordable energy and the loss of $299 million in energy savings for New Mexicans over 20 years. The Solar for All program was designed to help communities like those in southern New Mexico reduce electricity bills, strengthen the electric grid, and grow local clean energy industries.

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.

Rep. Vasquez is a leader in ensuring southern New Mexico remains at the forefront of the fight for American energy independence, and he continues to work to secure the next generation of energy production and lower energy costs for consumers.

• Vasquez fought back against the Department of Energy’s cut of  $7.5 billion for oil and gas modernization projects, which would have helped New Mexico make the cleanest barrel of oil in the world. 
• Vasquez championed the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act to help connect transitioning servicemembers with high-quality jobs in America’s energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Vasquez advocated for increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help vulnerable households afford essential energy costs.

###