The Trump administration is moving to cancel funding for two clean energy initiatives, with upwards of 300 other Department of Energy-funded projects facing uncertainty as the administration shifts focus towards bolstering fossil fuel industries.
Documents reviewed by officials indicate that the Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to withdraw grants issued to RMI, a Colorado-based nonprofit involved in clean energy research. One grant amounting to nearly $5.3 million aimed to retrofit affordable housing units in Massachusetts and California to enhance energy efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. A second grant of $1.5 million was intended to explore business models for electric vehicle carsharing in urban areas across the United States.
The DOE stated these programs were not in line with the Trump administration’s priorities, which were set forth following an “energy emergency” declared early in the president’s term. This move aligns with President Trump’s agenda to advance fossil fuel exploitation, which he’s summarily described as “drill, baby, drill.”
Fossil fuels, namely oil, gas, and coal, are significant contributors to anthropogenic global warming. As the Biden administration reached its completion, efforts were underway to award significant funding for clean energy projects while initiating substantial offshore wind developments.
An RMI representative, Dina Cappiello, confirmed the organization anticipated the funding pull for the EV carsharing project. However, as of late Friday, there was no receipt of formal termination for the retrofitting initiative, which is expected to conclude using existing grants from Trump’s early presidency.
The DOE remarked that their decision represents the best interests of American citizens, with a comprehensive review of available grants still ongoing. This development follows earlier reports that suggest the DOE had established a “hit list” to potentially rescind support from a plethora of clean energy projects. This list encompasses initiatives linked to wind, solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure, many of which were funded through a bipartisan infrastructure law enacted during Biden’s presidency.
Separately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended grant agreements totaling $20 billion related to Biden’s so-called “green bank.” However, a federal court has temporarily prevented the termination of this program.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, an Ohio Democrat, has voiced concerns over these measures, arguing that they may elevate energy expenses for consumers and enterprises. She urged the DOE to faithfully execute legislated appropriations to aid in lowering energy costs and promoting job creation.
Since its inception in 1982, RMI has secured contracts and funding under both Republican and Democratic governance, utilizing these resources to champion energy solutions that are secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. Cappiello expressed apprehension that the current administration’s actions could jeopardize efforts to drive the clean energy agenda, which offers long-term benefits such as decreased energy costs and job creation.
Globally, renewable energy installation reached unprecedented levels last year, with the majority of new power capacity generated from solar, wind, or other sustainable sources, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s recent report. China remains at the forefront, accounting for a substantial portion of these new global renewable installations through 2024.