Trump Administration Cancels $1 Billion Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub Funding

The Trump administration has canceled over $7.5 billion in federal grants, including significant funding for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, a $1 billion clean energy initiative spanning Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Energy Secretary Chris Wright justified the cuts by stating the projects were not economically viable and would not provide positive returns on taxpayer investments, while White House Budget Director Russ Vought denounced the grants as politically motivated "Green New Scam funding." Democrats, including Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray, have condemned the cuts as politically driven punishments against blue states, emphasizing the potential loss of over 10,000 jobs and damage to regional clean energy development. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub aimed to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but faced abrupt defunding amid a government shutdown. Projects affected include a $157 million clean hydrogen and fertilizer facility in Richland, Washington, among others across several counties. Critics argue the administration's actions undermine bipartisan clean energy progress and harm both Democratic and Republican districts alike.