Congressman Neal Criticizes Termination of Clean Energy Grants

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal blasted the Trump administration’s decision to terminate $3.7 billion in grants issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, including an $87 million grant issued to Sublime Systems, whose low-carbon cement manufacturing plant is scheduled to open in Holyoke in 2027.

“The Trump administration’s decision to kill critical clean energy projects is deeply irresponsible and is a betrayal of American innovation, workers, and the fight against climate change,” Neal said. “Scrapping funding for projects for innovators like Sublime Systems in Holyoke undercuts years of progress in decarbonizing heavy industry, and it jeopardizes good-paying jobs and economic development in communities that need it most.

“This isn’t just about climate — it’s about global competitiveness and leadership,” he added. “Turning away from American-made clean technologies in favor of outdated fossil fuel priorities is shortsighted and will be disastrous for our economy and environment, all while giving the upper hand to our competitors around the world. I urge the Trump administration to reverse course and recommit to a forward-looking energy strategy that supports innovators and benefits our communities, economy, and planet.”