The Brief
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The Trump administration canceled $7.5 billion in clean energy funding, affecting 16 states, including $1.1 billion for Washington.
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Washington’s Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub lost $1 billion, impacting 11 energy projects and companies like WSU and PACCAR.
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Lawmakers claim the cuts are politically motivated, targeting blue states, and are considering legal action to challenge the decision.
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has canceled $7.5 billion for clean energy projects across 16 states, including $1.1 billion in grants for Washington state.
Local perspective
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub took a major financial hit, now without a $1 billion investment aimed at supporting clean hydrogen technology and production.
Washington has a total of 11 energy and manufacturing projects affected by the funding cuts. Washington State University and PACCAR, a commercial truck manufacturing company, were also listed as recipients of the now-terminated grant money.
Lawmakers slammed the decision, calling it politically motivated, as all the cuts targeted blue states. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he’s now working with the Attorney General’s Office to take legal action.
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) also released a statement, claiming the cancellations will lead to job losses and higher energy bills for Washingtonians:
“President Trump’s campaign of political retribution continues, and hardworking Washingtonians are now part of the collateral damage. This politically motivated claw back of funds will result in significant job losses and increased utility bills in our state.”
“The President of the United States is playing politics by targeting states that did not vote for him. I will fight this decision to save Washington jobs and avoid another hike on our energy bills.”
The other side
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) justified the financial cuts by saying the projects were not economically viable, didn’t provide a return on investment and “did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs.”
The DOE announced the termination of 321 financial awards supporting 223 energy projects on Thursday, days after a federal government shutdown.
West Coast states with projects on the chopping block include Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Hawaii.
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The Source
Information in this story came from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Associated Press, and statements from Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene.