Trump Administration Maintains Biden's $400B Clean Energy Loan Program Amid Controversy

The Trump administration has continued the Biden-era $400 billion Loan Programs Office, aimed at clean energy projects, despite claims from Trump's Energy Secretary about canceling loans. The office supports projects deemed too risky by the private sector, issuing loans at lower rates guaranteed by the Department of Energy. Although some projects faced scrutiny, others, like a $1.45 billion loan to QCells in Georgia, have persisted. The program is now under new leadership with Greg Beard, who aims to balance energy affordability and clean energy development.

Published Mar 24, 2026

The Trump administration has retained the Biden-era Loan Programs Office, which is tasked with distributing $400 billion for clean energy projects. While Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed to have canceled numerous loans, the office's former head described these figures as exaggerated.

AI-curated by Theia

The office provides loans to projects such as solar and nuclear energy, with recent approvals including a $26.5 billion loan to Southern Company for nuclear upgrades. Despite political shifts and a potential focus on fossil fuel projects, there remains a commitment to clean energy, with the program's future dependent on Congress's renewal by September 30, 2028.