Trump Budget Proposal Cuts Virginia Clean Energy Funding, Threatens Billions

President Donald Trump's budget proposal, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, poses significant risks to clean energy investments and jobs in Virginia and across the U.S. The bill seeks to repeal or phase out key clean energy tax credits, including those for advanced manufacturing, clean fuel production, and clean electricity, which have been instrumental in driving billions of dollars in investments and tens of thousands of jobs in Virginia alone. The Southern Environmental Law Center and other advocates warn that eliminating these credits will create business uncertainty, stall ongoing projects like Virginia's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and increase costs for consumers. The Department of Energy's FY2026 budget proposal also reflects deep cuts to renewable energy funding, with no allocation for solar PV, wind energy, or grid integration, emphasizing fossil fuels and nuclear security instead. These funding and tax credit reductions threaten to reverse the surge in renewable energy jobs and infrastructure growth, which have outpaced fossil fuel sector employment and attracted younger workers. As budget negotiations continue in the Senate, the future of the U.S. clean energy transition and related economic progress remains uncertain under Trump's administration.