Democratic attorneys general of 23 states, including Colorado, filed a lawsuit last week trying to block the Trump administration’s funding freeze for rooftop solar, efficiency and other clean energy programs.
They filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunction to require federal agencies to release funds that were withheld based on instructions from the Office of Management and Budget and related Executive Orders.
“The President’s sloppy federal funding freeze is hurting businesses and jobs, impacting home heating assistance in the dead of winter, and is unlawful. The new administration should follow the law, and focus on saving people money rather than causing pain and confusion,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Our declaration makes it clear: This illegal freeze on funding is already having a negative impact on Coloradans,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor.
“The federal government has signed contracts granting more than $500 million to Colorado through the IRA and the IIJA and, by not meeting these contractual obligations, the federal government is inflicting real harm on our state.”
Despite the Temporary Restraining Order that has been in place since Jan. 31, as of Friday, Feb. 7, the Colorado Energy Office is still unable to access the vast majority of funds contracted to it. Colorado, along with the other states and District of Columbia, also filed a Request for Emergency Relief to Enforce Temporary Restraining Order.