A large group of energy leaders gathered for a conference focused on clean energy shortly after the Trump administration announced major cuts to the sector.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Energy leaders from across Oregon gathered in downtown Portland on Thursday for a conference focused on climate change and clean energy, the day after news broke that the Trump administration is slashing nearly $8 billion in federal clean energy grants, dealing a major blow to more than 200 projects in 16 states, including Oregon and Washington.

Hosted by the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, the conference brought together a diverse group to discuss strategies for maintaining clean energy momentum despite the cuts.

“It takes all of the community leaders — we’re seeing it takes the developers, it takes the utilities, it takes the regulators in the state,” said Meredith Connolly, director of policy and strategy. “Everyone’s here together to talk about those issues, be very clear about the challenges, but also really clear about how we respond and don’t lose that momentum.”

Among those affected is major electric utility Portland General Electric (PGE), which says it has lost $50 million in grants across three projects aimed at improving the reliability of the region’s electrical grid. A spokesperson said the utility is evaluating all options, including filing appeals.

RELATED: Trump administration cuts funding for dozens of clean energy projects across Pacific Northwest

One of the largest efforts hit by the funding rollback is the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub — a public-private partnership that aims to cut emissions in heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors. The uncertainty surrounding the loss of federal funding has cast doubt over the future of the project.

“We’re having to determine — can these projects still go forward, do the economics work for these projects any longer? And it’s unclear,” said Chris Green, president of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association. “The good news is there are some companies that have reached out to me this morning already and said, ‘Hey, even without these federal funds, we want to make a go of it because this market is so important.’”

Other impacted projects include those led by the Oregon Department of Energy, the Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises and the city of Portland.

While the cuts target so-called “blue” states, local leaders say they remain committed to clean energy progress — with or without federal support.