Trump Administration Targets Office Driving Clean Energy Innovation

Trump Administration Seeks to Eliminate Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations The Trump administration has been quietly dismantling the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), a federal office established in 2018 to promote the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. In recent months, officials have canceled billions of dollars in previously awarded grants for projects aimed at reducing planet-warming pollution from industrial facilities and power plants. According to sources within the Department of Energy, Trump officials have been systematically dismantling OCED since January, canceling awards for projects such as low-carbon chemical manufacturing and rural energy resiliency. The move has left many in the clean energy community stunned and concerned about the implications for the nation's transition to a cleaner energy future. "OCED was designed to be a launchpad for ambitious projects that could help America lead the way on cleaner power and manufacturing," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on clean energy policy at the University of California, Berkeley. "Its elimination is a dramatic reversal of the progress made in recent years and sends a signal that the Trump administration is not committed to addressing climate change." Established during the Obama administration, OCED was tasked with providing funding for cutting-edge technologies that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities and power plants. In 2020, Congress endowed OCED with nearly $27 billion to support these efforts. However, under the Trump administration, OCED has been reduced to a shell of its former self. In January, officials canceled $2.5 billion in awards for projects aimed at reducing pollution from industrial facilities, including a major award for low-carbon chemical manufacturing. Additional awards were canceled in February and March, leaving many project developers wondering if their work will be supported. The elimination of OCED has significant implications for the nation's transition to cleaner energy sources. "OCED was an important part of the federal government's efforts to support the development of clean energy technologies," said Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), a leading advocate for climate action. "Its elimination is a setback for our efforts to address climate change and reduce pollution from industrial facilities." As the Trump administration continues to dismantle OCED, many in the clean energy community are left wondering what the future holds for these critical projects. In recent weeks, there have been reports of efforts by lawmakers to restore funding for OCED and support its mission. However, with the 2020 election looming, it remains unclear whether these efforts will be successful. For now, the fate of OCED and its mission to promote clean energy technologies hangs in the balance. Background: The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations was established in 2018 as part of the federal government's efforts to support the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. The office was tasked with providing funding for cutting-edge projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities and power plants. In 2020, Congress endowed OCED with nearly $27 billion to support these efforts. However, under the Trump administration, officials have been systematically dismantling OCED, canceling billions of dollars in previously awarded grants and leaving many project developers wondering if their work will be supported. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Rodriguez noted that the elimination of OCED is a setback for the nation's transition to cleaner energy sources. "The Trump administration's efforts to dismantle OCED are a clear indication that they are not committed to addressing climate change," she said. Senator Markey echoed Dr. Rodriguez's concerns, noting that the elimination of OCED will have significant implications for the nation's efforts to reduce pollution from industrial facilities. "We need to restore funding for OCED and support its mission to promote clean energy technologies," he said. Current Status: As the Trump administration continues to dismantle OCED, many in the clean energy community are left wondering what the future holds for these critical projects. In recent weeks, there have been reports of efforts by lawmakers to restore funding for OCED and support its mission. However, with the 2020 election looming, it remains unclear whether these efforts will be successful. For now, the fate of OCED and its mission to promote clean energy technologies hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Motherjones.*