Author:  Maryland A.G. Press Staff   Published:  4/2/2026   Maryland A.G. Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2026

Media Contacts: press@oag.state.md.us 410-576-7009

Attorney General Brown Successfully Protects State Energy Programs    

BALTIMORE, MD – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rescinded its unlawful policy capping reimbursement for state energy programs and agreed to dismiss its appeal, preserving states’ victory in federal court and bringing the case to a close.  

“Capping these reimbursements would have jeopardized State programs that lower people’s utility bills and help Marylanders to make energy improvements to their homes,” said Attorney General Brown. “This is a major victory that ensures Maryland can continue to reduce harmful emissions, lower energy costs, and deliver a safer, healthier environment for generations to come.” 

In August 2025, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of states sued DOE over a new policy capping reimbursement for key administrative and staffing costs at ten percent of a project’s total budget, threatening millions of dollars in funding for state energy programs. In September 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled in favor of the states and struck down DOE’s “indirect costs” policy.  

After initially appealing that decision, DOE has now rescinded the policy and agreed to dismiss its appeal, ensuring that states will continue to receive full federal funding for these essential programs and bringing the litigation to a successful conclusion.  

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