Indianapolis, Indiana – Congressman André Carson (IN-07), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has voiced strong criticism following the Trump administration’s plan to terminate nearly $37 million in clean energy infrastructure grants nationwide, including a $6.7 million award designated for the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The grant, originally approved for Fiscal Year 2023, was earmarked to support the airport’s solar power battery storage facility, the largest airport-based solar farm in the world.
Carson stated that the Federal Aviation Administration notified local officials that the Indianapolis grant would be terminated because it “does not align with the administration’s priorities.” Critics note that this move is consistent with the administration’s broader pattern of targeting grants that include terms such as sustainable, solar, green, electric, zero, emissions, climate, and resilient.
The IND Solar Farm project, launched in 2014, has long been recognized as both economically viable and environmentally impactful. The facility supports the airport’s north airfield electrical vault and provides maintenance improvements crucial to the safe operation of airport infrastructure. Beyond powering the airport, the solar farm contributes renewable energy to the electric grid, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps improve local air quality while lowering operating costs.
Congressman Carson emphasized the bipartisan nature of the project, noting that it received support from both Republicans and Democrats, including former Republican Mayor Greg Ballard. “The Trump administration would have you believe this is a far left, pie-in-the-sky project with no track record. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The IND Solar Farm was first launched in 2014 with the support of Republican Mayor Greg Ballard. Republicans and Democrats have long supported this project because it is economically viable and environmentally intelligent. It provides renewable energy to the electric grid, lowers emissions, improves air quality, and lowers the airport’s operating costs. The IND Solar Farm is the largest in the world and was even featured as a model project in testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee,” Carson said.
Carson criticized the decision as politically motivated and warned that infrastructure should not be treated as a partisan issue. “Infrastructure should not be partisan. There are no Democratic or Republican bridges, roads, or airports. Clean solar energy serves everyone, especially through the Indianapolis Airport solar farm,” he said.
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The timing of the grant termination also raises concerns amid ongoing government disruptions. Many air traffic controllers and aviation safety personnel continue working without pay or remain furloughed during a partial government shutdown, and Carson stressed that the announcement undermines the dedication of these professionals. “Especially in the midst of a government shutdown – where many air traffic controllers and aviation safety personnel are working without pay or furloughed – this announcement is a blow to the hardworking aviation professionals who keeps our skies the safest in the world,” he said.
Carson’s statement further criticized the administration for making decisions without a full understanding of the programs being affected. “It’s frustrating to watch the incompetence of this administration as they search for ‘woke’ words in program titles without any understanding of how government works or the benefits of the programs they’re slashing. This funding belongs to Indianapolis – not Trump,” he said.
The IND Solar Farm has long served as a model for airport-based renewable energy projects. Beyond its operational role, the facility has garnered national attention as an example of sustainable infrastructure that balances economic practicality with environmental stewardship. Congressional testimony has highlighted the project as a leading example of how airports can reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining safe and efficient operations.
Local officials and community leaders have echoed Carson’s frustration. Many point out that the solar farm not only saves the airport money on energy costs but also serves as a public demonstration of Indianapolis’s commitment to renewable energy innovation. The sudden withdrawal of federal funds threatens to stall planned upgrades and expansions of the facility that would ensure the airport continues to operate efficiently and sustainably.
Congressman Carson called on the administration to reconsider the termination and stressed the importance of bipartisan support for infrastructure initiatives. “This is not about politics. This is about common sense and good governance. Indianapolis earned this funding, and the benefits are felt by every resident and traveler who relies on our airport,” he said.
The termination also sends a signal to other cities and states that rely on federal support for renewable infrastructure projects. Observers note that canceling grants for programs like the IND Solar Farm could have broader implications for the advancement of clean energy initiatives in aviation and other sectors.
Carson concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending Indianapolis’s interests and ensuring that critical infrastructure projects continue to receive the support they deserve. He emphasized that clean energy and safety improvements are investments in the city’s future, not partisan tools to be politicized.
As the debate unfolds, the fate of the $6.7 million grant remains uncertain, but local leaders and aviation stakeholders continue to advocate for the project, emphasizing its proven track record, economic benefits, and environmental impact. For Congressman Carson, the issue represents more than funding—it is about defending Indianapolis, supporting public safety, and promoting smart, sustainable infrastructure that serves all Americans.
The Indianapolis International Airport Solar Farm stands as a testament to how public-private collaboration, local initiative, and federal support can create projects that serve the environment, reduce costs, and enhance operational safety. With Congressional advocacy ongoing, supporters hope that the administration will reverse course and allow the grant to continue fueling the nation’s largest airport-based solar initiative.
In an era where infrastructure projects increasingly face scrutiny for political optics, the situation at IND highlights the delicate balance between policy priorities and the practical benefits of well-designed programs. As Carson stated, the focus should remain on supporting communities and advancing projects that provide tangible benefits—not on scoring political points.
With millions of dollars and years of planning at stake, Indianapolis now awaits a resolution that will determine whether one of the world’s largest airport-based solar farms can continue to lead the way in clean energy innovation and public infrastructure efficiency.
