From Mother Jones · Jeff St. John · · 2m
Trump tried to defund green banks but clean energy projects keep going
Green banks still fund clean energy projects despite Trump's funding cuts.
In brief
Green banks still fund clean energy projects despite Trump's funding cuts. U.S. green banks continue financing clean energy projects even after Trump administration terminated federal climate funding programs. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Green banks finance clean energy projects
U.S. green banks use public funds to boost lending for clean energy and climate-adaptation efforts in tough-to-finance sectors.
Trump administration cuts federal climate funding
The Trump administration terminated the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and Solar for All programs created by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Green Bank 50 impact report
The Green Bank 50 released an impact report in September showing $1.4 billion of their own capital and $11 billion in private capital invested in over 40,000 projects.
Community solar project in New Orleans
A $10 million community solar array for New Orleans' Sisters of the Holy Family provides up to 350 low-income households with reduced utility bills.
Inclusive Prosperity Capital
Inclusive Prosperity Capital received $249 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund but has projects with financial commitments and training courses for developers.
Legal challenges to funding cuts
A federal judge ruled the administration's freeze of $20 billion unlawful, and two separate federal judges have ruled the Solar for All termination illegal.
Climate United Fund impact
Climate United Fund, awarded $7 billion but unable to follow through on plans for electric trucks and clean energy upgrades due to frozen funds.
Green banks adapt with private capital
Green banks focus on tight discipline with private capital to find projects private-sector lenders consider too risky.
Solar and Energy Loan Fund
Solar and Energy Loan Fund has financed nearly $80 million in home energy-efficiency, solar, and storm-hardening projects across the country.
Montgomery County Green Bank initiative
Montgomery County Green Bank launched a $4 million initiative offering low-interest loans for rooftop solar and energy efficiency improvements.
Green banks face budget constraints
Many green banks operate on budgets of less than $2 million per year despite their significant impact.
The one thing
U.S. green banks continue financing clean energy projects even after Trump administration terminated federal climate funding programs.
