Department of Energy

Built World

Approved the performance baseline and authorized full construction

The Savannah River Site's half-built MOX plant was meant to start turning surplus weapons plutonium into commercial reactor fuel in 2016. It never opened. On Oct. 15, the Energy Department approved a $23.5 billion baseline and full construction to convert the roughly 400,000-square-foot shell into a factory for plutonium pits.

Updated Yesterday

Rule Changes

Implementing authority under EO 14421

President Trump's Executive Order 14421, signed August 26, declares a national emergency over foreign-made power grid equipment. It blocks transactions involving gear from entities in 24 countries under U.S. arms embargoes or sanctions unless the Energy Department approves, and it lets the Energy Secretary order utilities to isolate or replace foreign-made equipment already in service.

Updated 4 days ago

Money Moves

Restructuring GM's 2024 conversion grant for hybrid production

General Motors confirmed on Oct. 27, 2026, that its Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan will produce hybrid vehicles. The factory currently builds the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.

Updated Nov 1

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Issuing new emergency orders after losing a court challenge

Coal-fired electricity generation fell 11% in the first half of 2026, per the Financial Times, even as the Trump administration issued more than 20 emergency orders to keep aging plants running. In September a federal appeals court struck down the order keeping Michigan's Campbell plant open, ruling the Department of Energy overstepped its authority; days later the agency ordered plants in Indiana and Washington state to stay running.

Updated Sep 29