DOE political grant cancellations: new legal avenues emerge; NM reinstatement shows recoverability

New legal analysis reveals Fifth Amendment equal protection argument and Court of Federal Claims damages path for canceled DOE grants. Reinstatement of $15.4M for NM microgrids shows some funding may be recoverable. New Mexico's Grid Modernization Program continues—$9.17M for Luna County substation upgrades. New ~$10M FY2027 round announced (applications due Aug 15, 2026).