Summary
Donald Trump has paused billions in federal clean energy grants, jeopardizing solar projects in Republican-led states like Indiana.
The $7bn Solar for All program, aimed at reducing electricity costs for low-income families, was expected to fund major initiatives, including $117m for Indiana.
Despite bipartisan support for solar, Trump dismissed Biden’s policies as the “Green New Scam.” A federal judge has ordered a temporary unfreezing of funds, but uncertainty remains.
Advocates warn that prolonged legal battles could delay projects for years, threatening investments and energy savings.
For sure! I’d love to switch to solar (or any alternative carbon-friendly / carbon-neutral energy source) entirely and specifically for the perceived environmental benefits. But I’m also not in a financial position where I can do it when it happens to cost so much more than traditional means. If I had been fortunate enough, like my neighbor, to have been in the position to make the plunge 10 - 15 years ago, it would make perfect sense. But with all the government subsidies being cut, the power company drastically reducing what they pay for the excess energy, and the cost of batteries plus associated equipment being so high, it’s pushing solar back into the territory of being unaffordable for a lot of people. Really sad in so many ways. And yet, I’m still trying to figure out how I might make it work.