The U.S. Department of Energy's internal watchdog is preparing to investigate the Trump administration's decision to terminate more than $7.6 billion in grants for clean energy projects. The grants, which were canceled across 223 projects in 16 states that supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, are under scrutiny for potential partisanship.
Democratic lawmakers have heavily criticized these cuts as detrimental to the electric grid, risking thousands of manufacturing jobs and increasing energy costs for American citizens. According to Sarah Nelson, assistant inspector general for the Energy Department, the audit will determine if these cancellations adhered to established criteria and regulations.
Earlier in October, the Energy Department announced the termination of funding awards, asserting they did not adequately address the nation’s energy needs or provide a positive return on taxpayers' investments. The Democratic members of Congress from California, including Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, have formally requested an investigation, arguing that the terminations displayed a significant bias against states that leaned Democratic.
White House budget director Russell Vought indicated that states including California, Colorado, Illinois, and others would see significant cuts. In total, the terminations hit California particularly hard, including vital funding for a hydrogen hub project.
Schiff expressed optimism about the investigation, stating it showcases 'clear political targeting' aimed at punishing states that supported Democrats. This situation raises broader concerns about the implications of such funding decisions on America's clean energy landscape and job security.
