The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been providing funding for clean infrastructure projects, with the aim of promoting sustainable energy solutions. However, a concerning trend has emerged, where some developers receiving this funding are not complying with regulations set by other federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Labor (DOL). This raises questions about the oversight and accountability measures in place to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and in alignment with broader environmental and worker safety goals.

Uncovering a Troubling Pattern: Violations and Fines Among DOE-Funded Projects

Exxon's Baytown Olefins Plant: A Concerning Track Record

ExxonMobil's Baytown Olefins Plant, a recipient of DOE clean energy grant funding, has a troubling history of environmental and worker safety violations. Over the last five years, the plant has committed at least 25 air quality violations and been fined eight times by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the last decade. Despite this track record, the plant is set to receive more than $330 million in DOE funding. In 2019, the plant experienced a major explosion that injured 37 workers, further highlighting the need for stricter oversight and accountability measures.

CNX Resources: Racking Up Environmental Violations

Another example is the natural gas company CNX Resources, which is receiving DOE funding despite having more than 2,000 environmental violations this century. This raises concerns about the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and the due diligence process employed by the DOE in selecting funding recipients.

Shell's Troubled History: Pollution Lawsuits and Chemical Leaks

A Houston-area Shell plant, whose affiliate Shell Catalysts & Technologies is collaborating with Calpine Texas CCUS Holdings LLC on a DOE-funded carbon capture study, has also faced significant challenges. The plant has been involved in two major air pollution lawsuits and has experienced more than 500 chemical leaks this century, some of which have emitted the carcinogen benzene. This history of environmental infractions casts doubt on the company's suitability for receiving federal clean energy funding.

The Cost of Doing Business: Lax Enforcement and Slap-on-the-Wrist Fines

The pattern of violations and fines among DOE-funded projects suggests that some companies may view environmental, labor, and other regulations as merely the cost of doing business. With lax enforcement and relatively low fines, these companies may be incentivized to prioritize profits over compliance, potentially undermining the intended goals of the clean energy funding program.

Voters Demand Accountability: Overwhelming Support for Compliance Requirements

A recent survey has found that a strong majority of voters want developers to be required to be in compliance with worker safety (83%), clean water (80%), fair labor (78%), clean air (77%), and civil rights (74%) laws in order to receive federal funding. This indicates a clear public desire for greater accountability and responsible practices among recipients of government-backed clean energy initiatives.

The Path Forward: Strengthening Oversight and Compliance Measures

The issues highlighted in this article underscore the need for the DOE and other federal agencies to implement more robust oversight and compliance measures. This could include stricter pre-approval screening, regular audits, and stronger penalties for violations. By holding clean energy funding recipients accountable, the government can ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used to support truly sustainable and responsible projects, ultimately advancing the nation's clean energy goals while protecting the environment and worker safety.