Energy Secretary Christopher Wright unveils a hard-hitting review of $15 billion in Biden-era green grants, targeting potential waste of taxpayer money by 179 recipients who may not deliver on promised jobs while some are even laying off workers.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration is scrutinizing over $15 billion in green energy grants awarded by the Biden administration to 179 recipients including major corporations like ExxonMobil and Cleveland-Cliffs
- The review specifically examines whether these subsidized projects are fulfilling their job creation promises, especially concerning as some recipient companies have recently announced layoffs
- This audit aligns with President Trump’s broader government efficiency initiatives, including multiple executive orders designed to reduce federal spending and bureaucracy
- The Energy Department is evaluating both ongoing and canceled projects with the goal of potentially clawing back funds from non-performing grants
- This review represents a significant shift in energy policy priorities from the previous administration’s climate-focused spending
Scrutinizing Billions in Green Energy Spending
The Trump administration has launched a comprehensive review of the Biden administration’s green energy spending spree, targeting more than $15 billion in grants and subsidies awarded to 179 different recipients. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright is leading this effort to determine if these taxpayer-funded projects are delivering their promised economic benefits or simply wasting public resources. Major corporations under scrutiny include ExxonMobil, BASF, Eastman Chemical, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Danish wind energy company Orsted, all of which received significant funding for various “green” initiatives under Biden’s climate agenda.
“The Biden administration spent money we didn’t have to pay for things we didn’t need” Stated James Carter, as reported by The Daily Signal.
This review comes amid concerns signs that some grant recipients may not be fulfilling their end of the bargain. Cleveland-Cliffs, for instance, received substantial funding but has recently announced layoffs, raising questions about whether these government-subsidized projects are actually creating the jobs they promised. The administration’s scrutiny extends to both ongoing projects and those that have already been canceled, with a particular focus on whether the money was spent effectively or merely served political purposes rather than national interests.
Corporate Recipients React to the Review
As the review intensifies, many corporate recipients are scrambling to justify their use of the grant money. Some companies maintain that their projects are proceeding as planned, despite the change in administration priorities. BASF, which received funding for a low-carbon syngas project in Texas, insists they are moving forward with their plans while working closely with the Department of Energy on deliverables.
“What we can share is that, as of October 2024, BASF has entered into a cooperative agreement with the DOE for our proposed low-carbon syngas project at our Freeport, Texas site. With this, we have started Phase 1 of our project: initial planning and analysis. Throughout the entire process BASF will collaborate with the DOE to develop the appropriate deliverables necessary to progress to the following phases,” Said Julia Arns
Similarly, Orsted’s representative Jakob Goetzsche Vesterager noted, “The DOE award is proceeding to schedule as we continue to develop the project. We’re aware that the program is currently under review, but there have been no changes to the award for Project Star at this time.” However, the administration’s intensive review suggests that these assurances may not be enough to guarantee continued funding if the projects fail to demonstrate concrete benefits for American taxpayers and workers.
Part of Broader Government Reform
This green grant review aligns with President Trump’s comprehensive strategy to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending. Since taking office, the administration has issued multiple executive orders targeting federal inefficiency, including Executive Order 14222, which specifically addresses discretionary spending through federal contracts and grants. Additional measures like Executive Order 14215 ensure accountability across all federal agencies, while Executive Order 14211 aims to reduce the federal workforce and implement more efficient hiring practices.
“President Donald Trump’s administration is deepening its review of more than $15 billion in grants and other support awarded by its predecessor for upgrading power grids and manufacturing energy technology.”
The Energy Department’s actions reflect the administration’s broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and prioritizing American interests over ideological agendas. By scrutinizing these green energy grants, Secretary Wright is implementing the president’s vision of a government that spends taxpayer money wisely and demands results from those who receive public funds. This approach marks a significant departure from the previous administration’s climate-focused spending initiatives, which many conservatives criticized as wasteful and ineffective at creating sustainable economic growth Stated President Donald Trump
