GOP Funding Bill Would Harm Clean Energy Research and Fuel Higher Costs, Fewer Jobs, and a Warmer Climate

Congressman Dan Goldman's amendment to the FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations bill would transfer $93 million from fossil fuel research to renewable energy research, contrasting with the Republican-majority's cuts to Department of Energy's (DOE) energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) programs, which are being reduced by 47% compared to last year. Goldman argues that the Republican plan would lead to higher costs, fewer jobs, and a warmer climate, whereas his amendment would allocate taxpayer dollars towards clean energy, lowering costs for families and ensuring the U.S. leads the clean energy economy.

Key Takeaways:

• The Republican majority's Energy and Water bill cuts DOE's EERE programs by 47% compared to last year, eliminating critical investments in energy affordability, domestic production, and American leadership in the transition to a clean energy economy.
• Goldman's amendment would transfer $93 million from fossil fuel research to renewable energy research in the EERE account, supporting critical research into affordable, secure, and clean energy technologies.
• The Trump administration's stop-work order on the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project in Congressman Goldman's district was lifted weeks later after his coordinated advocacy.
• Congressman Goldman is committed to investing in clean energy technologies of the future, such as offshore wind, which are an economic and national security imperative.
• The FY26 budget does not adequately fund the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) Office of Renewable Energy Programs, which is crucial for the development of offshore wind projects.

Statistics:

• 47%: Reduction in funding for DOE's EERE programs compared to last year.
• $93 million: Amount transferred from fossil fuel research to renewable energy research in the EERE account.
• $400 billion: Investment in American-made energy independence facilitated by energy tax credits canceled by Trump.

Sources:

• "Congressman Dan Goldman Introduces Amendment to Protect Clean Energy Research," Office of Congressman Dan Goldman.
• "GOP Funding Bill Would Defund Cutting-Edge Clean Energy Research and Lead to Higher Costs, Fewer Jobs, and a Warmer Climate," Office of Congressman Dan Goldman.
• Bloomberg Law, "House Rules Committee Rejects Goldman Amendment on Clean Energy Funding," June 12, 2023.
• Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus.