U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced Thursday that Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright has pledged to halt a $4.9 billion federal loan for the controversial Grain Belt Express project.
The announcement follows what Hawley calls months of sustained pressure from him, who has repeatedly criticized the federally backed transmission line as an “elitist land grab” that threatens Missouri’s farmers and ranchers.
The Grain Belt Express, a green energy infrastructure project, is designed to carry wind-generated electricity from Kansas through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana.
The transmission line is planned to cross eight counties in Missouri, impacting a significant number of landowners along its route. The counties affected are:
- Buchanan
- Clinton
- Caldwell
- Carroll
- Chariton
- Randolph
- Monroe
- Ralls
Hawley has been a vocal opponent of the project, arguing that it disregards the rights of landowners and lacks economic justification.
He said his office has sent in multiple letters to the DOE, urging the agency to cancel all actions related to the loan, citing concerns over eminent domain cases and the project’s environmental and financial viability.
While the DOE had previously moved forward with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process—a key step toward loan approval—Secretary Wright’s reported commitment to halt the federal loan for the project could mark a significant shift in its trajectory.
“This is a major win for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers,” Hawley said. “We will not stand by while out-of-state corporations try to seize our land under the guise of green energy.”
The Grain Belt Express has long been a point of contention in Missouri, with state and local officials, including Attorney General Andrew Bailey, also voicing strong opposition to the project.
In a statement from the Grain Belt Express, it says, in part, that Hawley is attempting to kill the largest transmission infrastructure project in U.S. history.
“Senator Hawley is trying to deprive Americans billions of dollars in energy cost savings, thousands of jobs, grid reliability and national security, all in an era of exponentially growing demand. The project is the critical infrastructure needed to achieve America’s energy future and has support from the White House and House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans,” the statement reads.
“The project has also secured approvals from all four route states.”
Grain Belt Express says the project will save $52 billion in energy costs for people and create 5,500 jobs.
Copyright © 2025 · Missourinet
