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.

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