In a controversial decision, the Trump administration has axed $7.6 billion in clean energy grants benefiting 16 states, including those that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris. The funding cut, declared by White House budget director Russell Vought, is framed as a move against what he termed the Green New Scam. This decision jeopardizes battery plants, hydrogen projects, and carbon capture initiatives, which are vital for advancing America's energy infrastructure.
The Energy Department stated that 223 projects were terminated due to a lack of economic viability or inadequate progress on national energy needs. Among the most affected is California’s hydrogen hub, which aimed to create thousands of jobs and advance hydrogen technology.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Alex Padilla have criticized the cuts as short-sighted and emblematic of a disregard for future energy innovations. Environmental advocates further warn that these reductions will result in higher energy costs and job losses in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector.
