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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: House Republicans have introduced a sweeping budget proposal to roll back major climate and clean energy initiatives from the Biden era
• The plan targets billions in funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including clean energy tax credits, environmental justice grants, and climate-focused infrastructure investments
• The proposal aligns with President Trump’s 2026 fiscal agenda and is set for debate through an expedited reconciliation process
🔭 The context: The Inflation Reduction Act was the cornerstone of President Biden’s climate policy, allocating over $370 billion to accelerate the U.S. transition to clean energy
• Now, under a Trump-led administration and Republican-controlled House, efforts are underway to dismantle those programs
• The proposed legislation seeks to rescind unspent funds, reverse pollution controls, and prioritize oil and gas development — part of a broader strategy to refocus federal policy on fossil fuels and reduce government spending
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Repealing IRA-backed clean energy incentives could stall U.S. decarbonisation progress, weaken emissions reductions, and erode market certainty for emerging sectors like EVs, green hydrogen, and offshore wind
• Environmental groups warn the cuts would disproportionately harm low-income and frontline communities by curtailing pollution monitoring and clean infrastructure programs, while expanding fossil fuel leasing and permitting
⏭️ What's next: Congressional committees will deliberate the proposal this week, aiming for a full vote by Memorial Day
• If passed, the package would mark a significant shift in U.S. climate strategy, with global implications. Industry leaders warn of increased investment uncertainty and the potential loss of U.S. leadership in clean tech manufacturing
• The Senate and White House are likely to resist key provisions, setting the stage for contentious negotiations
💬 One quote: “Republicans are sacrificing clean energy on the altar of Big Oil to bankroll another round of tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy,” — Lena Moffitt, executive director of Evergreen Action
📈 One stat: The draft budget proposes $880 billion in total savings by 2034, including $6.5 billion in climate program rollbacks from the Inflation Reduction Act
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