Washington Budget Proposal Cuts Renewable Research Spending

[Joanna + 68]

The Washington Post reported that the White House will ask Congress next month for a 72 percent cut to research programs on clean energy and energy efficiency in fiscal 2019. Draft budget documents show the Trump administration will ask for $575.5 million in spending for the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The office’s current spending level is set at $2.04 billion for the fiscal year.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-budget-energy/white-house-to-propose-72-percent-cut-to-clean-energy-research-report-idUSKBN1FK37T

[Rodent + 1,424]

 I'm sure that won't fly in Congress, but I would expect the budget to be cut nonetheless, just not by that much. 

Of course, lots of things were on the chopping block, but this has caught some attention. 

So, the budget needs to be cut for sure, and I'm sure that no matter what gets cut, someone or some group will rally against it.

[Stephen + 67]

Fun Fact: Renewable Energy industry employs over ten times as many people as coal.

[Joanna + 68]

The Solar Industry Trump just put a tax on has more American jobs than Coal, Oil and Natural Gas combined... 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2017/01/25/u-s-solar-energy-employs-more-people-than-oil-coal-and-gas-combined-infographic/#5efa00128000

[JohnAtronis + 78]

Which is the reason we should not be subsidizing solar. It is not a productive use of manpower. 

[JohnAtronis + 78]

5 minutes ago, Joanna said:

The Solar Industry Trump just put a tax on has more American jobs than Coal, Oil and Natural Gas combined... 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2017/01/25/u-s-solar-energy-employs-more-people-than-oil-coal-and-gas-combined-infographic/#5efa00128000

He's cutting off government funding. Those industries are free to continue work on their own.

[Joanna + 68]

2 minutes ago, JohnAtronis said:

He's cutting off government funding. Those industries are free to continue work on their own.

Sure, just like NASA would have developed the way it did without gov investment.