The Trump administration launches a sweeping audit of $15 billion in Biden-era green energy grants after evidence emerges that taxpayer funds failed to deliver promised jobs while enriching major corporations.
Key Takeaways
- Energy Secretary Christopher Wright has initiated a strategic assessment of $15 billion in green energy grants distributed by the Biden administration to 179 recipients
- Major corporations including ExxonMobil, BASF, and Cleveland-Cliffs are under scrutiny for potentially failing to deliver on promised job creation
- The review aims to ensure federal expenditures align with national interests and maintain high accountability standards
- Trump’s administration is implementing broader government-wide measures to reduce bureaucracy and increase fiscal responsibility
- Some projects remain in progress while others face potential termination as the administration reviews their viability
Biden’s Green Energy Legacy Under Review
The Trump administration has launched a comprehensive examination of the Biden administration’s green energy legacy, targeting over $15 billion in grants awarded to 179 recipients across the energy sector. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright is spearheading this initiative to verify if these substantial government expenditures have delivered on their promised benefits, particularly regarding long-term job creation. The review encompasses major corporations such as ExxonMobil, BASF, Eastman Chemical, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Orsted, all of which received significant taxpayer funding for green energy projects under Biden’s climate agenda.
“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” Stated President Donald Trump
Job Growth Promises vs. Reality
Officials within the Trump administration have expressed particular concern over Biden-era grants that may not achieve their promised employment benefits. This concern is heightened by reports of layoffs at companies like Cleveland-Cliffs, which received substantial federal funding. The administration’s focus on job creation aligns with President Trump’s broader economic policies prioritizing American workers and industry. The review aims to determine whether taxpayer dollars were effectively used to generate sustainable American jobs or simply subsidized corporate initiatives that would have proceeded regardless of government support.
“The Biden administration spent money we didn’t have to pay for things we didn’t need” Said James Carter
Corporate Responses to the Audit
While some companies have acknowledged the ongoing review, many maintain their projects are proceeding as planned. BASF, which entered into a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy for a low-carbon syngas project in Freeport, Texas, indicates they are still in the initial planning and analysis phase. Similarly, representatives from Orsted have stated their Project Star continues to progress according to schedule despite awareness of the program review. These corporate responses highlight the complex situation as the administration balances fiscal responsibility with existing contractual obligations.
“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” Stated Julia Arns
Broader Government Accountability Measures
The green energy grant review represents just one facet of President Trump’s broader approach to government accountability and fiscal responsibility. Through Executive Order 14215, the administration has established comprehensive accountability requirements for all federal agencies. Additionally, Executive Order 14222 specifically targeted discretionary spending through federal contracts and grants, signaling a government-wide approach to reviewing and potentially restructuring financial commitments made by the previous administration. These efforts align with Trump’s campaign promises to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize American taxpayers.
“continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary ” Stated President Trump
Future of Green Energy Funding
As the administration progresses with its review, the fate of numerous green energy projects remains uncertain. Some initiatives may continue with adjusted parameters to ensure greater accountability, while others face potential termination if deemed inefficient uses of taxpayer dollars. This assessment aligns with Trump’s commitment to an “all of the above” energy strategy that prioritizes American energy independence and affordability over ideologically-driven climate initiatives. Moving forward, any federal funding for energy projects will likely require more robust job creation metrics and clearer alignment with national energy security priorities.
“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.”
