The Trump administration's Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed to have overhauled the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, canceling billions in Biden-era clean energy loans. However, former officials assert that the program persists in supporting emissions-free projects like nuclear plants and transmission upgrades. Wright's revisions have been overstated, with many key loans intact.
In January 2026, the Trump administration targeted the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office (LPO), which received nearly $400 billion under Biden's Inflation Reduction Act to fund clean energy infrastructure such as nuclear plants, transmission lines, and battery factories. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced revisions to around 80% of the office's $100 billion loan portfolio, rechristening it the “Energy Dominance Financing” program to align with fossil-fuel-friendly policies. He claimed to have canceled loans rushed out post-election that did not serve American interests. Former LPO head Jigar Shah called Wright's figures “fake,” noting many cancellations were initiated by borrowers themselves before Trump's win. Jen Downing, a former senior adviser, described delays due to new approval processes and staff losses. Despite changes, major projects continue: a $1.45 billion loan to QCells solar manufacturer in Georgia, equity in Nevada's Thacker Pass lithium mine, and a $26.5 billion loan to Southern Company for Georgia nuclear upgrades, batteries, transmission lines, and some natural gas. Other holdovers include a Pennsylvania nuclear restart and a transmission line. The pipeline has shrunk from 191 to about 80 projects under new leader Greg Beard. Experts suggest the program's survival reflects energy affordability needs, with potential for nuclear and grid support. Congress set an expiration of September 30, 2028, via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
