WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump governance is rescinding nearly $8 billion in funding for clean energy projects, targeting initiatives in 16 states, the Department of Energy announced Thursday. The move, impacting grants awarded under the 2022 climate law signed by President Biden, represents a significant rollback of federal investment in green technology and fuels ongoing efforts to dismantle Obama-era climate policies.
The cuts affect projects across the country, with recipients now having 30 days to appeal the DOE’s decision. This action follows the administration’s broader targeting of climate programs and clean energy grants, including the recent rescission of $13 billion previously allocated for similar initiatives. The administration argues these regulations are unjustified and hinder economic growth, while critics contend the cuts will raise energy costs and stifle innovation.
Awardees were selected from a pool of applicants and were notified of the funding terminations Thursday. The DOE did not promptly specify the criteria used to select the 16 states affected, prompting questions from reporters at the White House, which the President declined to answer.
“This is yet another blow by the Trump administration against innovative technology, jobs and the clean energy needed to meet skyrocketing demand,” said jackie Wong, a senior vice president at NRDC.
Conrad Schneider, senior director at the Clean Air Task Force, stated the decision “pulls the rug out” from communities and workers relying on the projects and “weakens the U.S.’s position in the global marketplace” for energy technologies.
The associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content.For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment.
