Recent actions by the Trump administration could have implications for the paint, coatings and chemical industries, particularly in the areas of clean energy funding, environmental regulatory oversight and key federal appointments. While the direct effects remain to be seen, these developments may signal shifts that could influence industry operations, investment strategies and compliance requirements.

One major policy shift involves the administration's decision to halt funding for clean energy projects, which has led companies such as Air Liquide to reconsider their participation in U.S. hydrogen initiatives. Air Liquide, a multinational supplier of industrial gases and services, had originally planned to participate in six hydrogen hubs funded under the bipartisan infrastructure law. However, the company now intends to proceed with only two projects, both of which focus on natural gas-derived hydrogen with carbon capture, citing funding uncertainties for renewable energy projects. While not directly tied to coatings, hydrogen initiatives have been explored as potential low-carbon energy sources or feedstocks in industrial applications, meaning shifts in funding could have a ripple effect on sustainability efforts in related sectors.

Additionally, widespread layoffs across federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), have raised concerns about the future of environmental regulations and chemical safety programs. The dismissal of key personnel has led to uncertainty regarding enforcement timelines for environmental policies, which could impact compliance requirements for coatings manufacturers, particularly in areas such as emissions control, hazardous material handling, and chemical registration processes. 

Further signaling a shift in policy direction, President Trump has nominated Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as Secretary of Energy. Wright's background in the shale gas industry suggests a potential policy emphasis on traditional fossil fuels over renewable energy initiatives. This could affect regulatory priorities related to industrial energy use, raw material sourcing and incentives for sustainable innovation within the chemical and coatings sectors.

These developments come amid broader regulatory changes that have already affected the coatings industry, including shifts in PFAS regulations and the implementation of new tariffs on chemical imports.