"Although the department’s overall budget will increase in 2027, the amounts dedicated to environmental management, research and renewable energy infrastructure face significant hits."
"Democrats on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee have challenged the Department of Energy’s proposal that would divert funds from solar and wind while keeping fossil fuel plants online past their retirement dates.
At an April 21 hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) was strident in his disapproval of Secretary Chris Wright’s prioritization of fossil fuel plants over cleaner technologies.
“We have a role [for wind and solar power], the clean energy tax credit, and the private sectors loved the fact that they were technologically neutral,” Wyden said. “They were voluntary, there were no mandates, and you all pulled it out by the roots, over the opposition of people in natural gas—of all industries—who said, ‘Look, we love gas, but we also need renewable clean energy to hold it up.’”
While Congressional Democrats have defended a transition to renewable sources, some Republicans have argued those sources are not as reliable as fossil fuels. The conflict in Iran has raised fuel prices and disabled key energy infrastructure, making the issue more pressing."
Gabriel Matias Castilho reports for Inside Climate News April 23, 2026.
