The Chicago Tribune reports that President Donald Trump announced plans to cancel nearly $8 billion in energy project funding, with Illinois set to lose roughly $583 million. The cuts target dozens of projects in the state, affecting major institutions like Exelon, the University of Illinois, and the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) in Des Plaines. Congressional Democrats released the full list of affected awards after the Energy Department and White House budget office withheld details.
The Office of Management and Budget, led by Director Russell Vought, justified the cancellations on social media as eliminating “Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda.” Democrats, including Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, decried the decision as politically motivated. Duckworth noted that Illinois alone is losing 33 awards, originally valued at over $673 million, although about $90 million had already been spent.
The terminated projects included research on carbon capture, transportation electrification, solar energy, and grid modernization. GTI faced the heaviest blow, losing more than $400 million for carbon capture and methane studies. Other cuts included $100 million for Exelon and $50 million for ComEd, as well as awards for Northwestern University, Cook County, and the American Lung Association. Even a Caterpillar project in Peoria County, represented by a Republican lawmaker, was eliminated.
The Department of Energy defended the cancellations, saying the projects failed to advance the nation’s energy needs or provide sufficient returns for taxpayers. Recipients were told they could appeal, but officials offered no additional details. Duckworth and other Illinois leaders countered that the move undermines economic growth, energy innovation, and trust in the federal government’s commitments.
Critics argue the administration’s cuts contradict its stated support for domestic energy production. “This is cutting off domestic energy production,” said Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham. The funding fight, paired with Trump’s broader dismissal of climate change and environmental initiatives, underscores the deep political divides shaping federal investment in energy and research.