Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has called on the Department of Energy to cancel a $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express transmission line. In a letter addressed to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Senator Hawley expressed his concerns over the Biden administration's decision to push forward with the loan, which he claims would lead to land seizures from Missouri farmers and ranchers.

Senator Hawley stated, "I write once again to bring your attention to the Department of Energy’s $4.9 billion conditional loan to the green-energy Grain Belt Express transmission line." He further argued that this move contradicts the wishes of his constituents who have opposed the project for years.

He reminded Secretary Wright of his previous communications with the department and voiced alarm over what he described as an effort designed to benefit out-of-state corporations at the expense of Missouri farmland. "I am alarmed that DOE is moving forward with the draft EIS process for the Grain Belt Express," Hawley wrote.

Hawley highlighted that Invenergy, parent company of Grain Belt Express, is pursuing eminent domain cases against Missouri farmers. He urged Secretary Wright to reconsider, stating, "It’s not too late to reverse course. I urge you to immediately terminate all agency actions related to the Department of Energy’s $4.9 billion loan to the Grain Belt Express."

The senator has consistently advocated for Missouri farmers and landowners in opposition to what he calls a federal government land grab by the Biden Administration.

The full text of Senator Hawley's letter can be accessed through his official channels.