The energy industry is second only to states in use of federal funds these days — but while the rest of the country spiraled with confusion, they were downright giddy about the Trump administration freeze on federal dollars.
Where the states, nonprofits and welfare advocates see disaster, they see an opportunity.
“We’re in pretty damn good shape. I feel pretty good about what’s happening,” said Patrick Gruber, the CEO of a sustainable aviation fuels company that signed a conditional commitment for a $1.46 billion loan from the Biden administration’s Department of Energy in October.