Nominees for renewable energy sectors face ongoing blocks by Republican senators

In a move that could potentially disrupt a larger nominee package floated by Republican leadership, three Senate Republicans have announced holds on Treasury nominees. The nominees in question are Brian Morrissey Jr., Francis Brooke, and Jonathan McKernan, who are in contention for positions as general counsel, assistant secretary, and undersecretary, respectively.

The holds were announced by Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa, John Curtis of Utah, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina in August 2020. The reason for the holds is related to the phaseout of wind and solar energy credits by the Trump administration, an issue that has been a source of contention.

Senators Grassley and Curtis have expressed concerns about the sourcing requirements for clean energy projects, while Sen. Tillis' reasons for the hold are not explicitly stated. All three senators are known to favour renewable energy.

The phaseout of wind and solar credits is part of the Trump administration’s planned changes to wind and solar tax credit guidance under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The senators' stance on the matter was expressed in interviews on Thursday.

The holds by Sen. Tillis could potentially jeopardize the larger nominee package further, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate. Sen. Tillis, who is forgoing reelection in 2026, has also expressed his concerns about the phaseout of wind and solar energy credits.

The Republican leadership is attempting to push through this larger nominee package, but the holds by the three senators could potentially delay the process. The ongoing holds on these Treasury nominees are a testament to the sensitivity of the issue and the senators' commitment to renewable energy and fair tax policies.