Key Takeaways:
– Rep. Susie Lee criticizes President Trump for interfering with green energy funds.
– A $156 million funding for solar panel installations in Nevada, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s $7 billion Solar for All program, is put on hold.
– Trump spent the 2024 campaign attacking wind and solar power.
– Trump’s new EPA head, Lee Zeldin has shown minimal commitment to combating climate change.
Trump Accused Of Halting Green Energy Funds
Nevada Representative Susie Lee has made serious accusations against former President Donald Trump. Lee claims that Trump unlawfully interfered with green energy funding in Nevada, which she regards as a violation of constitutionality. This harsh criticism followed Trump’s directive that resulted in suspended federal funding for various nationwide programs. Widespread chaos ensued throughout the federal government and affiliated nonprofits. For those in Nevada, this may mean a setback in home solar panel installations.
Missing Funds For Solar Installations
The directive resulted in funds being held back for a program titled ‘Solar for All’. This initiative, under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency, had $7 billion at its disposal. For Nevada, the impact was substantive, with the state set to receive $156 million for approximately 20,000 solar panel installations. Yet, these funds have not been released.
Lee, along with many other supporters of green energy, is livid over the funding freeze. In quite explicit terms, she blamed Trump for this obstruction and promised legal action. According to Lee, the former president’s actions will result in higher costs for ordinary Nevadans. This, she argues, is to accommodate further payouts and tax breaks for billionaires.
Trump’s Controversial Energy Policies
These recent developments come in the wake of Trump’s contentious election campaign. Throughout 2024, he vehemently attacked renewable energy and electrification investments that his predecessor, former President Joe Biden had legalized. Wind power was on his radar as he used debunked arguments to discredit its effectiveness. He even went as far as claiming that wind turbines cause harm to birds and disorient whales.
Solar power wasn’t completely off his radar either. He criticised large scale solar installations, making outlandish claims, including suggesting that these could endanger the lives of rabbits. His views on smaller rooftop installations are unknown, but his intent to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act might put many such programs at risk.
The Trump Administration’s View on Climate Change
Given Trump’s heavy lean towards rolling back green energy initiatives, his choice of EPA administrator is no surprise. The Senate confirmed former Representative Lee Zeldin last week. Although Zeldin acknowledges the reality of climate change, he remains non-committal on curbing greenhouse gas emissions under the EPA’s mandate.
In Lee’s view, Trump’s approach to federal investments in green energy in Nevada is not only illegal but also a gross misuse of presidential authority. With no funds in sight, the future of this sun-bathed state’s solar installations remains uncertain. Trump’s critics will be watching closely to see how this develops. For them, it is clear that unless changes are implemented, solar investments in Nevada, and other such green initiatives, could be at risk.