Internal documents reveal that the Department of Energy (DOE) under President Donald Trump is considering significant budget cuts to hydrogen energy projects in Democratic-leaning states. The proposed cuts could affect four out of seven hydrogen hubs, which are part of a $7 billion initiative to develop clean hydrogen energy. These hubs, located in California, the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic, were initially funded under President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law.
The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce climate-focused spending, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy could see 262 projects cut, with 80% of these projects based in states that did not support Trump in the 2024 election.
The hydrogen hubs slated for cuts focus on renewable energy sources, while those in red states, such as Texas and Appalachia, which rely partly on natural gas, are expected to retain their funding. According to Politico, this decision could politicize federal funds intended to support clean energy initiatives.
The ARCHES hub in California, which received $1.2 billion in federal funding, is one of the highest-scoring applicants but is still facing cuts. The proposed reductions have raised concerns about the potential impact on the nation’s clean energy future, as the hubs were expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The DOE has not confirmed the cuts, stating that a department-wide review is ongoing. However, the potential cuts have sparked warnings from industry leaders about the implications for federal funding trust and compliance with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. The final decision on these cuts remains uncertain, as Republican representatives and private industry leaders are working to prevent project cancellations.
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