Governor Polis and CEO Executive Director Toor Release Statement on Colorado Joining Updated Filing in Federal Funding Freeze Lawsuit

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Statewide - Today, the State of Colorado, along with 22 other states and the District of Columbia, 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. In support of these efforts, the Colorado Energy Office submitted a declaration outlining the impacts that this funding freeze has had on energy programs that increase the security and resilience of our grid, help Coloradans save money on energy, and reduce pollution.

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.

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"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.

Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor made the following statement in conjunction with the filing:

"Our declaration makes it clear: This illegal freeze on funding is already having a negative impact on Coloradans. 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. Work like our Weatherization Assistance Program, the Solar For All program, and home energy rebates help residents save money on their energy bills. Other investments, such as work on grid resilience and security, make our electricity grid safer and more reliable, while also helping prevent wildfires.

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The businesses, local governments, and non-profits that the Colorado Energy Office partners with have continued to do their work to fulfill their contractual obligations to insulate homes, harden grids, and install energy-saving devices in buildings. But through these unprecedented Executive Orders, the Trump Administration is denying them prompt reimbursement for their expenses, which puts them at risk to be unable to make payroll, cover their rent, and compensate their own suppliers.

We will not stop working to fulfill our mission of advancing clean, affordable energy for all Coloradans. With this litigation, we are ensuring that the federal government meets its obligations as part of this effort."

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