The U.S. Department of Energy under the Trump administration approved 10 carbon removal projects in April 2026, continuing efforts begun during the Biden years [1]. Among those approved were two major hubs: a joint venture between startups Heirloom and Climeworks located in Louisiana and another large carbon removal hub in Texas. Each could receive roughly $600 million in funding, reflecting the scale of investment [1].
These projects are part of 21 carbon removal initiatives initially approved and funded in the early 2020s under President Biden’s administration to combat climate change [1]. The Trump administration has now greenlit at least 10 of these to proceed, signaling an ongoing federal commitment despite shifting policy rhetoric [1].
Carbon removal technologies employed in these hubs vary. Heirloom uses mineral-based absorption of CO₂, while Climeworks deploys direct air capture systems using fans and filters to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere [1]. Advocates say these technologies can eventually sustain themselves economically without relying on subsidies — much like fracking or geothermal energy industries did in their early stages [1].
The sector is reframing its messaging to align more closely with the Trump administration's energy dominance agenda, emphasizing economic competitiveness alongside climate goals. Giana Amador of the Carbon Removal Alliance said, "Carbon removal can be the next prosperous and competitive American industry" and noted it "has a really compelling case to help support the Trump administration's goals around energy dominance" [1]. Vikrum Aiyer of Heirloom added, "Many people who might assume that direct air capture or carbon management doesn't sit inside the President's energy dominance framework are actually missing the broader point" [1].
The Carbon Removal Alliance trade group was launched in 2023 to represent the industry's interests [1]. Despite federal funding advances, major voluntary carbon purchasers like Microsoft have paused new carbon removal buys amid delays in funding reviews, showing some caution on the corporate side [1].
Looking ahead, the Trump Energy Department is expected to continue evaluating and funding approved projects through 2026 as part of its energy policy. The progress on these large carbon removal hubs will be closely watched for their ability to deliver scalable carbon capture solutions while fitting within the current administration’s framework [1].