WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is cancelling $7.6 billion in grants that supported hundreds of clean energy projects in 16 states, all of which voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential election.
The cuts were announced in a social media post late Wednesday by Russell Vought, the White House budget director: 'Nearly $8 billion in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda is being cancelled.'
This move comes as President Donald Trump threatens cuts and firings in his fight with congressional Democrats over the federal government shutdown.
The cuts are likely to affect battery plants, hydrogen technology projects, upgrades to the electric grid, and carbon-capture efforts, as noted by the environmental nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.
According to the Energy Department, 223 projects were terminated after a review concluded they did not adequately advance the nation's energy needs or were not economically viable. However, specific details regarding the projects were not disclosed.
The cuts include $1.2 billion for California’s hydrogen hub, aimed at accelerating hydrogen technology and production. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office reported that the private sector has committed $10 billion for this initiative, with over 200,000 jobs potentially at risk due to funding cancellations.
Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California criticized the cancelation as 'vindictive' and indicative that the current administration is not serious about American energy dominance.
The DOE has reviewed billions in grants awarded during the previous administration, with a significant portion rescinded since Trump's inauguration, totaling over $3.1 billion.
'President Trump promised to protect taxpayer dollars and expand America’s supply of affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Today’s cancellations deliver on that commitment,' said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
As the administration targets climate programs and clean energy initiatives, Democrats and environmental organizations argue that the cancellations will raise energy costs and hinder job creation in innovative technology sectors.
Vought stated that the projects affected span across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington state.
For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit AP Environmental Policy Coverage.
