In a bold move to protect clean energy initiatives, California is taking on the Trump-era Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a crucial $250 million solar program designed to benefit low-income communities.

Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the charge with two separate lawsuits challenging the EPA’s decision to cancel the congressionally approved “Solar for All” program. The program, originally part of a $7 billion federal initiative, was set to create over 600 renewable energy facilities across the state, offering lower-cost solar options for vulnerable populations.

The stakes are high for Bay Area residents. Utility companies like Pacific Gas and Electric Co., East Bay Municipal Utility District, and Sacramento Municipal Utility District were poised to offer discounted solar rates for low- and middle-income families. These community solar projects would have transformed everything from warehouse roofs to parking lots into energy-generating spaces, making clean energy more accessible than ever.

Bonta argues that the EPA’s cancellation is not just short-sighted, but potentially illegal. The lawsuits filed in the Court of Federal Claims and U.S. District Court of the Western District of Washington seek to reinstate the program and recover damages, highlighting the critical importance of protecting green energy investments.

The proposed solar initiatives weren’t just about generating electricity, they represented a significant step toward environmental justice. By targeting disadvantaged communities, the program aimed to democratize access to renewable energy, potentially reducing utility costs and carbon emissions simultaneously.

As climate change continues to disproportionately impact lower-income communities, these solar programs represent more than just infrastructure, they’re a pathway to economic and environmental equity. California’s legal battle sends a clear message: clean energy isn’t a luxury, it’s a right.

The outcome of these lawsuits could set a precedent for how federal renewable energy programs are implemented and protected, potentially influencing green energy policy nationwide.