Acting AG Davenport Sues Trump Administration to Protect Energy Affordability Programs in New Jersey
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Trump Administration Sued by New Jersey Over Energy Affordability Funding Cuts
By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has joined a coalition of 13 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging what officials describe as unlawful federal actions resulting in the termination of billions of dollars in funding for energy affordability programs aimed at reducing consumer utility costs.
The multistate lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that actions taken by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget violated the constitutional separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act by terminating funding previously approved by Congress.
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed support for the legal challenge, stating that increased in-state power production has the potential to reduce utility costs for both families and businesses across the Garden State. According to state officials, federal decisions to withdraw support from research and infrastructure initiatives may adversely affect long-term affordability for residents.
Among the impacted programs are two cooperative agreements involving Rutgers University. One grant, valued at approximately $3.2 million and jointly awarded to Rutgers and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, was intended to advance energy-efficient building performance standards statewide. Officials estimate that such standards could generate between $3.8 billion and $15.4 billion in energy savings over five years.
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A second grant of $1.7 million supported research into agrivoltaic systems—innovative technology allowing farmland to be used simultaneously for agricultural production and solar energy generation. State authorities note that this project aimed to help farmers diversify income sources while contributing to reduced energy costs.
The lawsuit also names the Office of Management and Budget and related federal officials, challenging a May 2025 policy memorandum that introduced a review process for previously funded energy and infrastructure initiatives.
Acting Attorney General Davenport is joined in the legal action by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Washington, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Editorial Comment — Adam Rizvi
“At a time when working families continue to face rising living costs, programs that support energy affordability and innovation deserve careful, lawful stewardship. Public policy must prioritize the needs of everyday residents—especially the most vulnerable—while ensuring accountability in how federally authorized initiatives are implemented or withdrawn.”
Read the full story on The India Observer website and stay informed on policy decisions affecting New Jersey residents.
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