Restore Energy Department staff to support clean energy progress

The Trump administration's unilateral staffing cuts to the Energy Department's Loan Programs Office, which provided crucial funding for clean energy projects, undermine the clear will of the vast majority of voters who support developing renewable energy technologies and green jobs that are pivotal for addressing climate change and maintaining America's global competitiveness in this critical sector. Reducing the workforce by roughly 25% risks hampering an industry that provides economic opportunities to many constituents, including residents of traditionally Republican-leaning states. Stifling innovation and growth in the clean energy arena jeopardizes prospects for prosperity and security while failing to tackle the existential threat of a warming planet. A reassessment of these counterproductive personnel reductions, enforced against widespread public backing, is warranted to safeguard America's leadership in an arena with profound repercussions.