Trump’s budget proposal was released today, and fears of cuts to renewable energy have been confirmed.
Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA, issued the following statement:
“We were disappointed to see the administration’s proposal to slash programs that promote American-made clean energy. Clean energy research programs have been priorities of both Republican and Democratic administrations and Congresses and the investments have paid off many times over.
“Renewable energy innovations in rapidly commercializing technologies ranging from inverters, to storage, to advanced infrastructure have vast promise for American industry, as solar energy becomes an increasingly large part of our nation’s energy portfolio.
“We look forward to working with Congress as it drafts a budget that supports important clean energy programs that create American jobs, advance innovation and stimulate billions of dollars in private investment.”
According to the Washington Examiner, the budget slashes EPA funding by 31.2%, and Utility Dive reports “the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy would see a 70% budget cut; the Office of Fossil Energy budget would be reduced 54%; the Office of Nuclear Energy budget will decline almost a third.”
Utility Dive reports the budget is unlikely to be passed in its current form, since many programs that would be impacted have bipartisan support.
Updated at 12:57 p.m. ET