On Oct. 28, 2025, DOE issued an interim final rule removing a requirement that Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment projects analyze how the proposed project will engage with and affect associated communities. The rule also renamed these projects “Energy Dominance Financing Projects” and removed an eligibility requirement that projects must have technology controls to “avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.” The amendments reduced the role of community input in energy development, while expanding the scope of energy projects eligible for financing. Public comments can be submitted until Dec. 29, 2025.
Background
The Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act and amended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, guarantees loans for projects to repair, repurpose, or replace decommissioned energy infrastructure. Projects enabling the cleaner operation of energy infrastructure are also guaranteed funding.