In 2022, the Biden administration initiated a significant funding plan aimed at revitalizing former coal communities in Appalachia, intending to shift the region’s economic focus from coal and timber to advanced energy technologies, including solar power. This effort was part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), marking the largest investment in Appalachia since the 1960s. However, the onset of the Trump administration led to the discontinuation of many Biden-era clean energy programs.
Jacob Hannah, CEO of the non-profit Coalfield Development, has highlighted the negative impact of these funding cuts on communities in southwest Virginia. His organization aims to rebuild local economies through workforce training and revitalization efforts, having trained over 4,000 individuals in various skills. However, the suspensions of federal grants, many linked to Biden’s initiatives, have severely affected ongoing projects, leading to halted developments and community disillusionment.
Hannah’s organization, in collaboration with universities, businesses, and local governments, had aimed to leverage over $900 million from the IRA for projects benefiting coal-impacted communities. But following the recent grant suspensions, many projects that were set to begin have been delayed. The Environmental and Climate Justice Program, which was part of the IRA, has seen funding cuts that further threaten initiatives aimed at addressing local environmental issues.
Federal responses to these funding concerns have been slow, with some grants reinstated but delayed due to staffing shortages at relevant agencies. The discontent among residents has grown, with many attributing the disruptions to broader political issues rather than solely to Trump’s policies.
Community organizations like Appalachian Voices have also been affected, as they experienced the cancellation of crucial grants intended for energy transition projects. As they navigate the uncertainty, local leaders emphasize the need to maintain transparency and public trust as they endeavor to secure new funding opportunities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/trump-coal-country