Two Democratic members of the House have referred Energy Secretary Chris Wright to the Department of Justice, alleging he provided false testimony to Congress. Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Gabe Amo claim Wright misled lawmakers about the cancellation of green grants, suggesting he stated they were not terminated for partisan reasons.

In their public letter, Lofgren and Amo assert Wright’s false statements aimed to obscure the true nature of the funding cuts, accusing him of violating 18 USC §1001. This statute prohibits making false representations to Congress. They believe Wright should face potential prosecution.

“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 wrote to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The DOJ’s reception of this referral does not automatically imply legal action against Wright. It also does not denote his guilt. However, the move escalates tensions regarding the approximately $8 billion cut by the Trump administration. An Energy Department spokesperson defended Wright, claiming the terminations were not politically motivated and insisting his testimony was accurate.

Essential Reads: Policymakers’ decisions will shape the energy and environment landscape. Senators Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse are urging the Department of the Interior’s Inspector General to investigate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s recent issues.

In related events, there’s increasing momentum behind a bill to keep clocks from reverting to standard time, reflecting substantial support, including from high levels of government.

• The EPA considers its Omaha cleanup a triumph, yet concerns linger over high lead levels in some areas (Flatwater Free Press/ProPublica).
• A founder of the Sunrise Movement and vocal data center critic gains prominence in a primary election (E&E News).

On Tap: Upcoming attention points include the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Farm Bill.

What Others Are Reading: Key stories drawing attention include Sen. Fetterman’s decision to oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination as Attorney General, adding pressure on GOP leadership.

Additionally, the construction of a new helipad underwent changes following directives to update the site for Marine One.