08/12/2026
Cattle Growers,
Important, good news. The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that it will not move forward with Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, which Cattle Growers has referred to as NIETC. Our thanks to everyone who worked so diligently to educate stakeholders about the potential negative impacts this could have had on our industry and communities. See the press release below.
Congratulations on a well-fought battle, Cattle Growers.
Tom Paterson, President
New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association
DOE Press Release below:
Energy Secretary Announces Cancellation of Three Proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will not move forward with designating the three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) previously selected in December 2024 to advance in the review process.
“Extensive review, including public feedback and stakeholder input, made clear that the current designation process for these three proposed transmission corridors should not continue,” said Secretary Wright. “Transmission policy must serve the American people—not special interests or a climate-alarmist agenda that drives up costs, worsens reliability, and disregards the concerns of local communities. The Trump Administration is committed to strengthening America’s electric grid with common-sense policies that prioritize delivering affordable, reliable, and secure electricity to American families and businesses.”
The previous administration touted the Lake Erie–Canada Corridor, the Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, and the Tribal Energy Access Corridor, as a means to advance their Green New Scam agenda and “accelerate decarbonization.” As the process unfolded, the current designation framework proved ineffective in strengthening grid reliability and reducing electricity costs. In some communities, it also contributed to confusion and concern about the scope and intent of NIETC authority.
Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Wright, DOE has already taken numerous steps to build new transmission infrastructure and modernize existing infrastructure, including:
In October 2025, DOE’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing closed a $1.6 billion loan guarantee to AEP Transmission to reconductor and rebuild nearly 5,000 miles of transmission lines across five states.
In February 2026, DOE’s EDF closed $26.5 billion in loans to Southern Company subsidiaries Georgia power and Alabama Power to support generation and grid investments, including more than 1,300 miles of transmission and grid enhancement projects.
In March 2026, DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE) announced the $1.9 billion SPARK funding opportunity to increase grid capacity, reliability, and affordability.
In July 2026, DOE’s EDF closed an approximately $3.3 billion loan to AEP Texas to build, rebuild or reconductor more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines.
In July 2026, DOE’s OE released the draft 2026 National Transmission Needs Study identifying transmission needs driven by growing electricity demand.
DOE’s decision also aligns with recent policy guidance, including Executive Orders, “Unleashing American Energy,” “Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid,” and Secretary Wright’s February 2025 Secretarial Order, “Unleashing the Golden Era of American Energy Dominance.”
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