Rep. Neguse Slams Trump Administration for Unlawfully Cancelling Over $550 Million in Federal Funding for Colorado

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

The latest attempt from Trump and his OMB Director to maximize the pain of the government shutdown on Democratic-led states, halting billions of dollars already appropriated by the Congress.

Lafayette, CO — Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after President Donald Trump and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought illegally impounded over $550 million in federal funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) for Colorado. This includes $386,794,653 in previously appropriated and competitively awarded grants to entities within Colorado’s 2nd District, such as Colorado State University, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the University of Colorado Board of Regents, as well as several local companies dedicated to making advancements in renewable energy and creating domestic jobs.

A large swath of the terminated funds — over $300 million — was stripped from Colorado State University (CSU), one of the nation’s top public research universities. It included support for a series of projects aimed at reducing methane emissions and improving small-scale oil and gas operations nationwide. The funds were awarded through the historic Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in climate action in American history, which Rep. Neguse helped enact in 2022.

“The attempt to use a government shutdown to unlawfully rescind already appropriated funds and terminate federal employees is illegal, pure and simple. The Trump administration’s unlawful and politically motivated attacks on communities across our state will inflict direct harm on Colorado’s students, schools, businesses, and many others. It is shameful. These acts of retribution are intended to stoke fear, and Democrats must use every legal and legislative tool to reverse these decisions and hold the administration accountable — which is exactly what we intend to do,” said Congressman Joe Neguse.

In total, the Trump administration cut $8 billion in federal funding for energy projects, deliberately targeting 16 states led by Democrats. This politically motivated attack on critical energy initiatives will drive up energy costs, eliminate jobs, and weaken the reliability of the power grid.

A full list of the funding cuts can be found HERE.

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