Washington, D.C.— In response to the Department of Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, announcing the cancellation of $7.56 billion in clean energy program investments in 16 targeted states, the League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from Vice President of Government Affairs, Sara Chieffo:

“President Trump and Russell Vought’s latest massive cuts to hundreds of energy projects in politically targeted states is a blatant example of corruption that will raise costs for households and businesses. At a time when energy demand is increasing, costs are already rising, and job losses are mounting, Trump and Republicans in Congress should be focused on funding and deploying the cheapest and fastest energy sources–clean energy– not gutting or banning them.

“Since he took office, Trump has unleashed an all-out attack on clean energy as part of a deliberate plan to benefit his friends in the oil, gas, and coal industries– at our expense. Republicans in Congress are trying to say that they can’t control what the White House does during the government shutdown, but that only further proves the point that the Trump administration is lawless and out of control and it’s the people of this country who are going to suffer. Congressional Republicans must get serious about working with Democrats on bipartisan bills to fund the government, lower costs, get people back to work, and protect communities, families, and our environment.”

###