What happens to all the clean energy initiatives that were enacted during the Biden Administration when Donald Trump takes over next month is still to be determined.
But before Biden’s term expires, his administration is trying to allocate as much money as possible for projects through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), one of Biden’s pledges during his election.
A recent article from Reuters outlined the funds that have been distributed as part of the IRA, which has seen more than $100 billion in grants to support clean energy projects, many for institutional facilities across the country.
A Biden administration official says they anticipate “obligating” more than 80 percent of the remaining IRA grant funding before Biden leaves office.
“When funds are obligated, they are protected,” the official told Reuters. “When the contracts are signed and executed, this becomes a matter of contract law more than a matter of politics.”
Many of the grants and subsidies as part of the IRA have been allocated to “red” states, which backed Trump, inspiring Republican House members to persuade GOP leaders to not cut the incentives, which would halt many projects.
Some recent grants that were rewarded from the IRA were $119 million contract to fund the electrification of five federal buildings in the Washington D.C. area, and more than $250 million for projects that assist rural communities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dave Lubach is the executive editor of the facilities market.
