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Trump Budget Proposes Major Cuts to Clean Energy, Climate Programmes

In a major policy shift, Trump’s budget slashes renewable energy and climate spending, favouring fossil fuel production and reducing federal support for environmental justice and green infrastructure.

May 05, 2025. By EI News Network

In a significant shift from the previous administration’s focus on green energy, President Donald Trump’s latest budget proposal calls for major cuts to renewable energy programs and climate-related spending, as his administration aims to boost fossil fuel production and move away from efforts to combat climate change.

As per reports, the proposal calls for cutting USD 21 billion in unused funds from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. This includes money that was set aside for renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and other programs meant to reduce carbon emissions. It also reduces funding for climate research and diversity initiatives.

According to a White House fact sheet, “President Trump is committed to eliminating funding for the globalist climate agenda while unleashing American energy production.” It also said the budget “eliminates funding for the Green New Scam.”

While the president’s budget is just a request and not final, it shows the administration’s priorities. Congress is responsible for approving federal spending, but with both chambers now controlled by Republicans, the proposal may carry more weight in upcoming negotiations.

According to reports, a White House official said that the administration is exploring options to gain more control over the federal spending, including the possibility of refusing to spend funds already approved by Congress

The budget calls for cutting USD 163 billion from non-defense programs, bringing them down to US 557 billion. Defense spending would remain steady at USD 893 billion.

Critics have pointed out that the proposal includes many political talking points but lacks clear details. Steve Ellis, president of the nonpartisan group Taxpayers for Common Sense, said it focuses more on culture war language than on responsible budgeting. He also criticised the increased military spending and plans to shift defense resources toward immigration enforcement.

In terms of renewable energy, the proposal would cancel over USD 15 billion from the infrastructure law that was meant for clean energy projects and carbon capture technologies. It would also eliminate USD 6 billion for EV charging infrastructure. The administration argued that EV charging stations should be built by the private sector, just like gas stations.

Additionally, the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy would see a cut of USD 2.5 billion. This program helps finance private sector clean energy projects and supports research into low-carbon energy technologies.

However, reports indicate that democratic lawmakers voiced strong opposition. Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, who leads the House Appropriations subcommittee on energy programs, said the cuts would hurt American consumers and businesses. “The Trump Administration’s proposal to slash USD 20 billion from the Department of Energy's programs , particularly a devastating 74 percent cut to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is shortsighted and dangerous,” she said. “By gutting clean energy investments, this budget threatens to raise energy prices for consumers, increase our reliance on foreign energy, and stifle American competitiveness," she added.

The proposal also targets diversity and environmental justice programs. These include efforts to reduce pollution and climate impacts in low-income and minority communities, as well as funding for organisations that promote climate action. The administration criticised these programs as part of what it calls a 'radical climate agenda.'

Overall, the budget reflects a significant shift in energy policy priorities. moving away from clean energy and climate action, and toward increased fossil fuel production and deregulation.

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