Trump administration to claw back $3.7B in clean energy and manufacturing awards | TechCrunch
May 30, 2025 - techcrunch.com
The Department of Energy announced it will rescind $3.7 billion in clean energy and manufacturing awards made under the Biden administration, affecting 24 projects, including those by Exxon Mobil, Kraft Heinz, Skyven, Brimstone, and Sublime Systems. Energy Secretary Chris Wrights cited "due diligence" by the Trump administration as the reason, without specific details, but referenced a May 15 memorandum suggesting audits might be used to revoke the awards. Companies like Sublime and Brimstone expressed surprise and disappointment, with Sublime evaluating options to continue operations and Brimstone hopeful for resolution, citing alignment with U.S. production priorities.
The affected projects include significant investments such as $375 million for Eastman Chemical's recycling plant and $331.9 million for Exxon Mobil's chemical plant. Sublime Systems and Brimstone Energy, both startups, highlighted their contributions to U.S. industry and job creation, with Brimstone emphasizing its role in critical mineral supply chains. The decision has raised concerns among the companies involved, who are now assessing their next steps in light of the funding withdrawal.
Key takeaways:
The Department of Energy is retracting $3.7 billion in clean energy and manufacturing awards made under the Biden administration.
24 projects, including those by Exxon Mobil, Kraft Heinz, and several startups, are affected by the decision.
Companies like Sublime Systems and Brimstone Energy expressed surprise and hope for resolution, citing their projects' alignment with U.S. priorities.
The decision is part of a "due diligence" effort by the Trump administration, with no specific reasons cited for the cancellations.
