Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, challenged Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Apr. 21 regarding recent decisions to cancel funding for clean energy projects and changes in the department's budget. Heinrich said these actions have led to higher costs for working families.
The discussion took place during a hearing about the Trump administration’s budget request for the Department of Energy for Fiscal Year 2027. The senator raised concerns that political motivations are influencing key decisions at the department, which he said should instead focus on reducing electricity prices and supporting communities across the country.
“When you came before this Committee almost a year ago, I asked you if it was the case that political appointees were on review boards for the cancellation of $3.7 billion in awards. You responded, ‘Well, it's absolutely the case.’ Those are your words,” Heinrich said to Wright during his opening remarks. He continued: “Since then, it has become abundantly clear that politics are indeed calling the shots in your Department of Energy.”
Heinrich criticized recent cancellations by DOE that he said targeted states with Democratic leadership and cited a federal judge’s ruling finding those actions unlawful: “Satisfying a President’s desire for political revenge or intimidation is not a lawful basis for terminating projects that were on track to help reduce soaring electricity prices.” He added that such moves “are a blatant betrayal of the communities, workers, and businesses who were counting on those investments to lower their energy costs.”
The senator also pointed out proposed cuts in programs like Weatherization Assistance and reductions in funding from infrastructure bills as additional challenges facing American families trying to manage rising utility bills. He questioned why funds appropriated by Congress have not been distributed promptly and accused DOE leadership of obstructing cost-saving programs while taking steps he says raise consumer prices.
Concluding his remarks, Heinrich addressed Secretary Wright directly: “If you want to change the law, run for Congress. Until then, you have no right to ignore the direction of Congress.” He stressed his belief that Americans deserve affordable energy from an agency committed to following laws set by lawmakers.
