Recently published court documents have confirmed the US Department of Energy (DOE) targeted Democrat-voting states in the Trump administration’s $7.5bn slashing of funds for clean energy projects, which included two clean hydrogen hubs.
The July 2026 federal court stipulation accepts that funding terminations were “based solely on the political identity of the grant recipient’s state,” following the cuts last October.
That move saw $2.2bn in funding for two clean regional hydrogen hubs on the West Coast axed. The other five selected for funding under the Biden-era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) have been retained.
The new court document also identified a total of 284 clean energy grants issued under the Biden administration that were withdrawn, with all but one centring on or involving states which voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
“The remaining approximately 340 grants proposed for termination were not terminated in October 2025, and they have not since been terminated,” it reads.
The revelation comes as California leads a 13-state lawsuit against the DOE for the decision, which saw its Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) lose out on $1.2bn of IIJA funds.
The case sees attorneys general from states including Illinois, Massachusetts and New York, alongside California Attorney General Rob Bonta, challenge decisions rescinding promised cash by the DOE and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Arches aimed to scale up production and deployment of blue and green hydrogen across California. However, after the funding was pulled, the scheme was halted.
The lawsuit claims the lack of funding will see California lose almost $3bn in annual savings from “improved health and air quality.”
The Pacific Northwest Regional Hydrogen Hub, spanning Oregon, Washington and Montana, had also been in line for funding of up to $1bn.
The DOE had positioned the cuts as a move to “protect taxpayer dollars,” arguing many awards had been “rushed through” in the final months of the Biden administration with “inadequate documentation.”
The remaining five hubs span West Virginia (Rep), Ohio (Rep), Pennsylvania (Dem), Texas (Rep), Minnesota (Dem), North Dakota (Rep), South Dakota (Rep), Delaware (Dem), New Jersey (Dem), Illinois (Dem), Indiana (Rep), and Michigan (Dem).
However, those hubs have been stuck in limbo, with no funds beyond the initial tranche for early feasibility issued.
Put your brand at the heart of the hydrogen conversation. With H2 View, you can reach decision-makers and professionals across the global hydrogen value chain.
Our 2026 Media Guide shows how you can:
• Advertise across digital, print, and newsletters
• Connect with a highly engaged hydrogen audience
• Align your company with trusted industry coverage
Download H2 View’s Media Guide today
