Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, backed by key congressional leaders, is pushing back against the Trump administration's move to cut critical solar program funding. In a joint call to action, they've demanded the immediate release of Arizona’s "Solar for All" grant program funds, following the EPA's abrupt decision to terminate the grants. According to the Governor's official website, the program, which aimed to bring significant energy bill savings, workforce development funds, and increased solar deployment to the state, is hanging in the balance.
"Arizona won this grant, and already signed a contract with the federal government," Hobbs said, according to a statement on the Governor's official website. The program's suspension will deprive eligible Arizonans of an average of 20% in annual energy bill savings, hobble $11 million in workforce development, and halt the deployment of 61 megawatts of new solar energy. Senator Mark Kelly highlighted the lost opportunity for energy investment and job creation, while Senator Ruben Gallego emphasized the adverse effects on families already facing rising energy costs.
Arizona leaders are raising concerns over federal decisions affecting the state’s energy policy. Representatives Greg Stanton and Yassamin Ansari emphasized the need for clean and affordable energy, and expressed worries about the impact of the Trump Administration’s decision on Arizona’s economy. They also urged the federal government to honor its commitments to the American people.
The group stated that without the program, eligible Arizonans could lose an average of 20% in annual energy bill savings per household, $11 million for workforce development programs, and 61 megawatts of new solar deployment.
The Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency previously won a competitive process to administer the "Solar for All" program, securing $156 million to expand solar resources in the state. According to the Governor's official website, Gallego stated, "Funding that was already approved by Congress and promised to our state. That money belongs to the people of Arizona." Arizona political leaders have collectively highlighted the importance of energy policy, fiscal responsibility, and honoring commitments made at both the federal and state levels.
