The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Wednesday it will "return more than $13 billion in unobligated funds" that were authorized under the Biden administration to fund clean energy projects.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the canceled funding "was slated to go out to subsidize wind, solar, and batteries and electric vehicles." He also told reporters the funds "do nothing for decarbonization."

Wright added in a statement, "The American people elected President Trump largely because of the last administration's reckless spending on climate policies. By returning these funds to the American taxpayer, the Trump administration is affirming its commitment to advancing more affordable, reliable and secure American energy and being more responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars."

The rescinded funds were originally part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, supporting programs such as Loan Programs Office funding, transmission infrastructure siting, energy efficiency contractor grants, and industrial decarbonization projects. The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, authorized DOE to return these unobligated balances.

Trump also criticized clean energy at the U.N. General Assembly, saying, "I'm telling you that if you don't get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail."

The DOE press release did not specify which projects will be affected. Officials said the move is part of broader efforts to prioritize taxpayer responsibility and refocus federal energy policy.

Source: eenews.net