A renewable energy think tank focused on promoting a clean energy transition has recently let go of 10% of its workforce. This occurred shortly after the Trump administration canceled two substantial grants—worth over $6 million—that had been awarded during Biden’s presidency.
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a nonprofit that has previously accepted funds from an entity linked to the Chinese government, communicated this decision to its staff via an internal email. According to Politico’s E&E news, the layoffs stem from “increasing uncertainty about revenue streams.” The timing of these cuts coincided with funding cuts implemented by the Trump administration.
“It’s extremely difficult, but these changes position us to address today’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, focus. This is not to reduce our ambitions. It’s to ensure our mission, even within volatility,” the organization stated.
While RMI mentioned that the freeze on grants would not result in immediate layoffs, they acknowledged that their previous expansion was driven by urgent global needs and generous financial backing. However, they pointed out that “the external landscape has changed quickly.” RMI has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation.
RMI is not alone in this predicament; other environmental nonprofits, such as Ocean Conservancy and Sierra Club, recently announced staff reductions as well, highlighting a troubling trend in the sector.
Interestingly, some nonprofits have been under scrutiny for their affiliations and funding sources. A controversial investigation led by former consumer product safety committee member Richard Trumka Jr. has drawn significant criticism, especially regarding claims about gas stoves. This investigation involved the Energy Foundation China (EFC), which had donated approximately $1.8 million to RMI between 2020 and 2022.
According to reports, numerous members of EFC’s leadership have held roles within the Chinese government, raising eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest. RMI also maintains a presence in China, though EFC has not commented on inquiries about this relationship.
RMI has indicated that layoffs will continue, and these reductions come at a time when the Trump administration is actively seeking to reverse funding allocations made to progressive climate organizations by the Biden Environmental Protection Agency. This administration has started notifying hundreds of grant recipients that their awards are at risk of being canceled.
