The president recently issued an executive order, Unleashing American Energy, on increasing the production and use of fossil fuels, relaxing environmental regulations, and reducing spending related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the like. Many of the actions regard federal executive branch initiatives, regulations, and guidance. However, Section 7, entitled Terminating the Green New Deal, requires agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). (This was later clarified to include only “Green New Deal” funds.)
The order also requires agencies to review programs funded by both bills for consistency with the broader energy goals outlined in Section 2 of the executive order. Within 90 days, agencies are to submit a report on this review, including any recommendations to align the programs’ policies with those in Section 2.
This brief describes Section 2 of the executive order and attempts to identify IIJA and IRA programs for which disbursements might be paused. It also addresses recent actions affecting the funding pause.