Two House Democrats have formally referred Energy Secretary Chris Wright to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential prosecution, accusing him of lying to Congress regarding the cancellation of billions in climate-related funding.

Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) allege that Wright falsely testified that the funding cuts were not made for partisan reasons, despite claims that the nearly $8 billion in green grants were primarily targeted at Democratic states. In a letter to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, they wrote, “Secretary Wright lied to the Committee with his statements, which sought to prevent us from learning the truth: that the October award terminations were an act of political retaliation.”

They further stated that Wright violated 18 USC §1001, which prohibits making materially false or fraudulent statements to Congress, and concluded that they had no choice but to refer him to the DOJ for potential prosecution.

The referral does not guarantee that the Justice Department will pursue the case, especially given that the Trump administration is unlikely to prosecute a former Cabinet secretary from its own ranks. It also does not imply Wright’s guilt.

A spokesperson for Wright responded via a generic press office email, stating, “The Secretary’s statements in his testimony are correct.”

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s decision to cut nearly $8 billion in climate-related funding last year.

Additionally, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) announced he will vote against the permanent nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, increasing pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to manage GOP defections on the nomination.

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