Biden accelerates clean energy loans before Trump takes office

The Biden administration is rushing to finalize $25 billion in clean energy loans through the Department of Energy before President-elect Donald Trump, who opposes many green initiatives, assumes office in January.

Benjamin Storrow, Kelsey Tamborrino, Brian Dabbs and Jessie Blaeser report for POLITICO.

In short:

Biden’s Department of Energy Loan Programs Office is pushing to finalize major loans for projects like EV battery factories and charging infrastructure, hydrogen plants and lithium mining before Trump takes office.
There are 16 loans and loan guarantees that have yet to be completed.
The loans support Biden's goals of reducing emissions and dependence on China, but Trump’s administration could halt or rescind deals.
With most projects located in Republican districts, proponents hope bipartisan benefits might save them from cuts.

Key quote:

“There’s nothing like seeing your own coffin to get you moving faster.”

— Andy Marsh, CEO of the hydrogen company Plug Power.

Why this matters:

The future of clean energy development and U.S. climate goals could hinge on whether these loans are secured. A Trump administration shift could stall or redirect funding, affecting both environmental progress and regional economies.

www.politico.com

Biden accelerates clean energy loans before Trump takes office

Republicans push to repeal clean energy tax breaks, putting companies in limbo and billions in investments at risk

Trump administration stalls climate pollution report as U.S. emissions progress slows

EPA scientists told to reapply for new jobs amid reorganization push

Europe’s electric car push runs into political and economic roadblocks

Energy Department pushes major rollback of appliance and energy efficiency rules

Industry and consumers push back against moves to dismantle Energy Star program

California lawmakers stall push to charge oil firms for climate destruction

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.