Trump Admin Policies Prevented Grid Catastrophe During Snowstorm: Energy Dept

Department says reversing Biden-era climate plans kept the lights on for millions during winter storm

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:39am

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According to the U.S. Energy Department, the electric grid was able to keep the lights on for much of the country hit by the recent massive snowstorm largely because the Trump administration broke from Biden-era plans, including keeping five major coal-fired power plants online and allowing grid providers to draw in more fossil fuel-based energy in vulnerable areas. The department claims multiple megawatts of power were made available from "otherwise taboo hydrocarbons" due to emergency orders issued by the Trump administration.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of fossil fuels versus renewable energy sources in maintaining a reliable electric grid, especially during extreme weather events. The Energy Department's claims suggest the Trump administration's policies were crucial in preventing widespread blackouts during the snowstorm, raising questions about the potential risks of pursuing aggressive climate policies.

The details

The Energy Department said Secretary Chris Wright issued several emergency orders over the weekend and through Tuesday that permitted power plants to operate beyond levels set by EPA regulations under the Biden administration. Five coal-fired power plants that were on track to be closed under the Biden-era push to pivot from fossil fuels to green energy were kept online. The Trump administration also saved 17 gigawatts of coal power that was going to be forcibly shut down. As the storm approached, Wright informed grid operators to be prepared to use more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation nationwide, sourced from anywhere from data centers to big-box stores, bypassing prior environmental regulations.

  • Over the weekend and through Tuesday, Secretary Chris Wright issued several emergency orders.
  • The five coal-fired power plants were on track to be closed under the Biden administration's policies.

The players

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary under the Trump administration.

Ben Dietderich

The Energy Department Press Secretary.

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What they’re saying

“We told grid providers: if your energy demand reaches a critical level… let us know,”

— Energy Department official (Fox News Digital)

“How power sources perform during peak electricity demand reveal their true value. Across the country, wind and solar generation plummeted while natural gas, coal and oil plants did the majority of the work keeping the lights on during the storm. According to DOE data, the Biden administration's support for forcibly closing reliable coal and natural gas plants had America on track to see blackouts increase 100 times over by 2030.”

— Ben Dietderich, Energy Department Press Secretary (Fox News Digital)

“Thankfully, President Trump was elected and has already prevented the forced closure of five coal plants and more than 17 gigawatts of reliable coal power.”

— Ben Dietderich, Energy Department Press Secretary (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The Energy Department says it will continue to prioritize affordable and reliable energy sources, including fossil fuels, to ensure the grid can withstand extreme weather events.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of fossil fuels versus renewable energy in maintaining a reliable electric grid, with the Trump administration's policies credited with preventing widespread blackouts during the recent snowstorm. The claims raise questions about the potential risks of pursuing aggressive climate policies that could compromise grid stability.