Rhode Island AFL-CIO v. United States Environmental Protection Agency
Overview
Overview
Business owners and non-profit organizations sued the EPA over the termination of the Solar for All grants, despite Congress only rescinding unobligated balances in July 2025.
The Issue
Issue
Whether the EPA exceeded its statutory authority by terminating the Solar for All grant program when Congress rescinded only unobligated balances, leaving obligated funds available.
The Rules
Rule
An executive agency cannot expend or obligate funds beyond the scope authorized by Congress through appropriations legislation. Under the Antideficiency Act and Administrative Procedure Act, agency actions must comply with Congressional restrictions on fund availability and statutory limits on agency discretion.
The Application
Analysis
Congress restricted only unobligated balances in July 2025, implying obligated funds remained available for Solar for All. If the EPA terminated grants despite available obligated balances or lacked independent statutory authority to cancel the program entirely, the agency's action exceeded the scope of Congressional rescission.
The Conclusion
Conclusion
The case is active in Rhode Island District Court with Judge Mary S. McElroy. Resolution depends on whether the court finds the EPA acted within appropriations law or overstepped by terminating obligated grants.
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