On May 29th, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed new regulations that would significantly overhaul federal grantmaking by codifying increased oversight by political appointees of federal grants, with the stated goal of improving “transparency, accountability, and oversight for Federal awards across the Federal Government” and to “reduce recipient burden.” The regulations would apply to virtually alla significant portion of federal grants and cooperative agreements, totaling approximately $1.2 trillion per year, roughly 15% of which ($179 billion) goes to small entities. The Administration has indicated it will move quickly with a 45-day public comment period (deadline July 13), with the intent to issue a final rule effective by October 1^st, 2026 (the start of FY2027).

The Clean Energy Business Network issued the following statement from President Lynn Abramson in response to President Trump signing S. 3971.

On March 11, 2026, ten small business leaders from across the country joined the CEBN for 25 meetings with congressional offices to discuss the importance of federal investment in energy innovation. As past recipients of Department of Energy (DOE) grants, particularly from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, these businesses were able to speak to the importance of this funding to strengthening America’s energy economy. 

CEBN issued a statement in response to the House passage of legislation to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs for five years.

CEBN issued a statement in response to the Senate passage of legislation that would reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs for five years.

SBIR/STTR programs lapsed on Oct. 1. Learn more about the issue and urge your elected officials to restart America’s innovation engine.

On November 10th, the Senate passed legislation to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Here’s a summary of the bill.

CEBN issued a statement on the Senate’s failure to pass a one-year SBIR/STTR extension, urging lawmakers to swiftly reauthorize the program.

BCSE and CEBN released new state factsheets detailing how investments in a broad energy portfolio help meet demand and keep costs low.

CEBN issued a statement celebrating House passage of a one-year SBIR extension and urging the Senate to swiftly pass the bill.

BCSE and CEBN provided statements in response to the EPA’s draft revision of the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases.

BCSE and CEBN provided statements after final passage of a tax reform package that rolls back and alters many energy tax credits.