The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) may take legal action after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the termination of “Solar for All”, a $7 billion national program designed to bring solar energy to low-income areas. This comes after the state awarded funding to more than a dozen pilot projects.

On August 7th, the EPA called for an end to the national Solar for All program, walking back a promised $156 million investment in Michigan’s renewable energy future.

Projects in the city of Detroit, as well as Wayne, Oakland, Chippewa, Berrien, Hillsdale, Kent and Kalamazoo counties are affected, some already under construction. 

EGLE Director Phil Roos said in a statement that the program aimed to lower energy costs, create local jobs, and help vulnerable residents maintain power in extreme weather events.

At this time, EGLE says it is consulting with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to determine what actions they can take.

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the latest in federal funding cuts, a bill that would expand support for new mothers and more.

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EPA cuts funding for energy accessibility program

Michigan’s Solar for All program has lost its funding. It provided grants to organizations working to make solar power accessible to low-income residents across the state so they might lower energy costs and improve environmental impacts.

The state-funded residential and community solar programs used federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency. Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Phil Roos, announced today the EPA has canceled that funding.

Roos says the programs were set to save thousands of Michigan families an average of $400 a year in energy costs, and create 700 jobs. He says EGLE is working with the state Attorney General’s office to determine next steps.

The state had already awarded grants to Hope Village to provide 10 homes in Detroit and Highland Park with rooftop solar, to the Intertribal Council of Michigan for solar projects for a dozen homes and a community building, and to the North End Woodward Community Coalition for a “solar neighborhoods” initiative. EGLE has awarded almost $14 million of the $156 million in federal funding it was promised.

Lansing considers expanding maternal support program

State legislators today considered a bill to expand a program that supports pregnant and new mothers. RX Kids gives pregnant women $1,500 before they give birth, and $500 a month for the baby’s first six months. It started in Flint and spread to Pontiac and the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Program director Dr. Mona Hanna says the program is designed to run efficiently with few overhead costs, and to be easily scaled and replicated for communities across the state.

New DCFC stadium name announced

The Detroit City Football Club has revealed the name of its new stadium in southwest Detroit. AlumniFi Field will seat 15,000 people when it’s finished. AlumniFi Credit Union is the team’s financial partner. The stadium is set to open in 2027.

Disability dance event comes to DIA

Danceability is returning to the Detroit Institute of Arts this week. The event is free and provides a space for all bodies to enjoy dance in community. Organizers are inviting the whole community to attend this “afternoon of disability joy” Thursday from 1–4 p.m. in in the DIA’s Great Hall. Attendees are invited to wear shades of blue to “embody the sea and sky.” Cellist and composer King Sophia will provide the music. Cara Graninger will facilitate. For more information and to register, visit detroitdisabilitypower.org/danceability.

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