US House plan would slash energy and transit programs in 2026 budget

House Republicans introduced a fiscal 2026 budget plan that slashes funding for clean energy and transit while boosting nuclear security and fossil fuel research.

Andres Picon and Manuel Quiñones report for E&E News.

In short:

• The House Energy-Water bill would cut $1.4 billion from the Department of Energy, eliminate the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, and slash renewable energy funding by 46%.
• Nuclear energy and critical minerals would receive increased funding, while DOE’s Office of Electricity, Grid Deployment, and fossil energy programs would face sharp reductions.
• The Transportation-HUD bill would gut transit grants by 98%, defund high-speed rail in California, and zero out Amtrak’s discretionary support while increasing funds for air traffic control.

Key quote:

“We will continue to get the country back on a path to fiscal responsibility by rescissions packages that will come from the White House that we’ll enact, and claw back spending and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in the multiple reconciliation packages, and in appropriating at lower levels of funding.”

— Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-La.)

Why this matters:

Federal spending bills shape how and where the U.S. tackles energy, pollution, and climate. The proposed cuts target many programs that help communities shift to cleaner technologies, reduce air pollution, and address longstanding environmental injustices. Slashing funds for transit and Amtrak could push more people toward car travel, increasing traffic and emissions, especially in urban areas. Meanwhile, the increased emphasis on fossil fuel research and nuclear power reflects an energy policy pivot with implications for both greenhouse gas emissions and environmental health and safety. Reductions to environmental cleanup and efficiency programs may delay or derail progress in addressing legacy pollution, grid resilience, and community-level energy security.

Related: Republican tax plan would expand oil industry subsidies and cut clean energy support