Green Daily

US Southern Communities Left Reeling From Energy Grant Cancellations

The Trump administration called it DEI

The site of the Lanett Cotton Mills, which once anchored the local economy.Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Leslie Kaufman, Monique Mulima, Emily Forgash, and Lili Pike

May 14, 2026 at 1:06 PM UTC

Communities in Alabama and Georgia were going to use a Biden-era grant to upgrade their homes and lower their bills. Then, the Trump administration canceled it, calling it DEI.

Today’s newsletter looks at how the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to cut $1.6 billion in previously-awarded grants is hitting residents in Southern states. Also, the United Nations praised China’s climate efforts and geothermal startup Fervo soared on its trading debut.