Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has voiced strong opposition to the Biden Administration's decision to support the Grain Belt Express transmission line project with a $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee. In a letter addressed to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Hawley expressed concern over the project's impact on Missouri landowners and its reliance on federal assistance.

Senator Hawley stated, "I write with alarm in response to the Department of Energy’s $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee to the Grain Belt Express, which cuts directly across my state." He criticized the project for needing government intervention and noted that it lacks signed contracts with power customers.

Hawley also highlighted his advocacy for Missouri farmers and landowners against what he described as a federal government land grab by the Biden Administration. He argued that "to make matters worse, this transmission project is destined to fail."

The letter detailed concerns about the timing of the loan guarantee, pointing out that environmental studies are not expected until April 2026. Despite this, funding has been committed now, which Hawley claims undermines states' autonomy.

He further criticized the Department of Energy's designation of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor to bypass state decisions, stating that Missourians oppose the project: "Missourians don’t want this transmission line. Stop forcing it on them."

Senator Hawley's full letter was made available for public viewing.