Trump DOE Decides To Keep At Least One Biden-Era Energy Program
In a surprising move, the Trump Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen to continue at least one initiative started under President Biden. The agency announced a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to upgrade roughly 5,000 miles of U.S. power transmission lines—a project originally launched during the Biden administration.
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The move underscores a rare moment of policy continuity between the two administrations, signaling that some clean energy and infrastructure projects may survive political transitions.
A $1.6 Billion Investment In Power Grid Modernization
According to the DOE, the loan guarantee will fund upgrades to transmission lines owned by American Electric Power (AEP)—one of the largest utilities in the United States. These improvements will enhance the flow of electricity across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
Rather than building new routes, the upgrades will make existing lines more efficient, allowing them to carry more power and reduce bottlenecks. The project will modernize around 13% of AEP’s total transmission network, significantly boosting reliability in the affected regions.
Why The Trump DOE’s Decision Matters
The decision marks a notable shift for the Trump administration, which has historically rolled back or canceled Biden-era energy initiatives, especially those finalized in the transition period between Election Day and Inauguration Day.
In this case, however, the Trump DOE decided to keep at least one Biden-era energy program, suggesting that grid modernization is being viewed less as a partisan issue and more as a strategic investment in national infrastructure and energy security.
What Makes This Project Different
It’s still unclear what set this project apart from others that were halted. Analysts suggest that the project’s focus on upgrading existing infrastructure, rather than creating new renewable energy projects, may have helped it survive.
Unlike initiatives focused solely on green energy, this program emphasizes grid resilience, which benefits both fossil fuel and renewable power generation. That broader appeal likely made it politically easier to maintain.
A Step Toward Energy Reliability—Regardless Of Politics
The continued support for this Biden-era energy program signals a growing recognition that America’s outdated grid infrastructure needs urgent attention. Experts agree that modernization is critical for both economic competitiveness and climate resilience.
By moving forward with this $1.6 billion upgrade, the Trump DOE may be setting a precedent for pragmatic energy policy—where essential projects move ahead regardless of political affiliation.
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