1.6 Billion In Clean Energy Projects Crumble As Trump-Era Policies Resurface

Clean energy projects across the United States are facing a wave of new obstacles as Trump administration policies reshape the country’s energy terrain. Over $1.6 billion in clean energy funding has been blocked or cut, leaving developers and investors in uncertainty.

On March 28, 2025, the Trump administration cut funding for two clean energy projects. Hundreds of projects have since faced similar cuts, with more reportedly under review. The move blocked billions of dollars that had been set aside for renewable energy development.

New legislation is adding more pressure. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is among proposed or enacted legislation targeting large-scale green energy subsidies. It also reportedly targets the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Credit for future projects. That credit had helped hydrogen energy grow as a cleaner fuel option.

Permitting has also become harder. Courts have blocked attempts to halt some offshore wind projects. The administration has also moved to restrict renewable development on federal lands, with requirements that wind and solar projects produce as much energy per acre as fossil fuel projects — a standard most renewables can’t meet.

Meanwhile, fossil fuels are getting a boost. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed emergency orders keeping a coal plant in Michigan and fossil fuel plants, including in key states, open. Those orders are expected to raise electricity bills and pollution levels, costing Midwest consumers tens of millions of dollars. The administration also resumed liquefied natural gas permitting, including a project in Louisiana.

Federal regulators are also pulling back on environmental rules. The EPA is reconsidering greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Proposals are on the table to repeal emissions standards for power plants under the Clean Air Act. The EPA is also reportedly considering challenges to the Endangerment Finding, which has long served as the legal foundation for regulating climate change pollution across the country. Adding to concerns, the administration has reduced access to NOAA climate resources like climate.gov, limiting public access to critical environmental data.

A coalition of 18 states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the executive order freezing wind energy permits, arguing it violates federal laws and threatens thousands of jobs and billions in investments.

Despite all this, renewables aren’t disappearing. In 2025, they hit a record 26% of U.S. electricity generation. Nearly 80% of new power capacity planned for the next decade is still renewable. Solar and wind’s falling costs continue to attract private investment, even as federal support shrinks.

✅ Claims in this article were verified using AI-assisted fact-checking.