Trump’s DOE and DOT picks may reshape EV policies

President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation could challenge Biden-era electric vehicle initiatives, which are worth billions.

David Ferris and Mike Lee report for E&E News.


In short:

  • Chris Wright, a fracking executive, and Sean Duffy, a former congressman, are critical of EVs and may curb federal support for the industry.
  • Key programs like EV charging networks and battery manufacturing loans are partially shielded, but some initiatives remain vulnerable to cuts or delays.
  • The administration could promote hybrids or other fuels while underfunding EV-focused initiatives, shifting the industry’s trajectory.

Key quote:

“The question remains: Will the red states who are benefiting from these programs say they want to continue?”

— Alan Baum, Michigan auto analyst

Why this matters:

Federal EV programs have spurred clean energy innovation and reduced vehicle emissions. Curtailing these efforts could slow progress against climate change and disrupt investments in cleaner transportation technologies, impacting public health and the environment.

Related: Trump criticizes electric vehicles with stark language

A view of the Denver skyline at dusk with the moon rising behind the mountains

Denver has a plan to heat and cool buildings without fossil fuels. It involves … sewage?

Heating and cooling skyscrapers requires a lot of fossil fuels. Now, Denver, Colorado is trying a surprising solution.

A male influencer standing in front of his phone on a tripod shooting a video

'Be a PleniDude’: How an Italian oil giant conquered TikTok

Aspiring influencers share pro-industry climate messaging after attending six-week content creation bootcamp.
An illustration of a gas pump with golden coins floating out of it

Could the Iran war shrink global oil demand for good?

As the oil crisis deepens across the globe, households and industries are using less fossil fuel — maybe permanently.
An overhead view of various recycling boxes

Your carbon footprint is only half the story

A pioneering study introduces a parallel metric, the plastic particle footprint — and uses it to rerank kettles, bottles, crates, and T-shirts. The winners aren't who you'd expect.
An aerial view of a beach with green water and waves

The global impact of losing US sea level science

Cuts to climate science risk halting or reversing decades of progress in global change research, just as rising seas demand better data, more informed decision-making, and faster action.

A small black child eating with a spoon

Climate change is weakening staple foods in Black diets

Air pollution has made staple crops in the Black diet less nutritious, but urban farmers are cooking up solutions.
Red sunset over the ocean backlighting a tied-off skiff

See the undersea blob of warm water that may spark a super El Niño

A 9,000-mile freight train of warm water could contribute to one of the strongest El Niño events on record later this year, with cascading effects expected on global climate patterns into 2027.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.