A group of 27 Democratic senators have warned US Energy Secretary Chris Wright that revoking funding for clean hydrogen hubs, battery projects and more would be illegal and harmful to energy consumers.
In a letter dated April 2, 2025, the senators, led by Martin Heinrich and Patty Murray, expressed alarm at reports that the Department of Energy (DOE) is formulating a “hit list” of clean energy projects for cancellation.
Politico reporting last month suggested that only hydrogen hub projects in Democratic-leaning states appeared on the list.
These projects previously secured funding through Biden-era legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
A total of seven regional hydrogen hubs were earmarked for $7bn in federal funding under BIL – with four hosting developments in blue states.
The reports emerged after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to halt funding from the laws while departments reassessed the programme and funding alignment with the administration’s priorities.
And now, the senators have warned Secretary Wright, “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.”
They said such cancellations would increase energy prices, reduce grid security and “stop” energy innovation.
“If the [DOE] has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programmes Congress has funded, the lawful process is to ask Congress to rescind that funding,” the letter states.
“The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the DOE or the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).”
Changes to the IRA or BIL would require Congress to pass new legislation nullifying the specific elements of the laws. This involves introducing a bill, securing simple majorities in the House and Senate, and surviving a potential filibuster in the Senate unless budget reconciliation is invoked.
The senators have requested a briefing from Secretary Wright to clarify the status of funding commitments.
It follows earlier pleas from congressional leaders to preserve the IRA’s 45V clean hydrogen production tax credits.
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