DOE abruptly terminated $7.56B in financial awards for 223 clean energy projects across 16 states that voted blue in 2024. (E&E News)
The scope: Funding was pulled from hydrogen hubs, grid upgrades, battery plants, EV manufacturing, and clean industrial demonstrations. California Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed the ARCHES hydrogen hub lost up to $1.2B.
Rationale vs. reaction: DOE said the projects “did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs” or weren’t financially viable and that 26% of awards were rushed between Election Day and Inauguration. Democrats called it an illegal move of political retaliation that will raise power bills and eliminate jobs.
Next steps: DOE said recipients have 30 days to appeal.