Clean Energy Grant Freeze Costs U.S. Economy Over $1.3 Billion—And Counting

New Analysis:  $480 million in lost income for workers

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WASHINGTON – The continued freeze of federal clean energy grant programs has already drained well over a billion dollars from the U.S. economy, threatening American jobs, wages, and future industry growth. Every day of delay adds to the cost. With an estimated $141 billion in IRA funding at risk over time, policymakers must act swiftly to prevent irreversible economic losses that impact workers, businesses, and communities nationwide.

A new analysis from Greenline Insights, in partnership with the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), finds that delays to IRA programs since January 20, 2025, have already resulted in:

• $1.3 billion in lost economic output, climbing by $10 million each day
• 1.64 million workdays forfeited by American workers
• $485 million in lost wages, with an additional $3.7 million lost daily

If these stalled programs are canceled, the total damage could be staggering—$322 billion in economic losses, 392 million workdays eliminated, and nearly $115 billion in lost worker income.

Explore the interactive map for state and local economic impacts:

“Delay has a hefty price tag,” said C2ES President Nat Keohane. “Keeping federal dollars on the sidelines is more than just policy gridlock; it imposes real costs on American workers, businesses, and the economy. Every day the freeze continues, communities all around the U.S. miss out on critical investments – and the jobs and innovation that come with them.”

Greenline Insights conducted this analysis in partnership with C2ES to quantify the real-time cost of inaction, providing policymakers with an urgent look at what’s at stake if IRA programs continue to be delayed or dismantled.

Explore the live funding freeze ticker.

To speak with a C2ES expert, contact Alec Gerlach at press@c2es.org