Market Resists Trump’s Attempt to Stifle Clean Energy

Donald Trump’s second term as US President began a year ago, during which he escalated efforts to reverse the climate initiatives put in place by Joe Biden’s administration. The transition to clean energy, however, continues despite the administration’s attempts to increase fossil fuel use, stop states from lowering emissions, and halt the expansion of wind projects amid growing electricity demand.

In July, Trump’s administration successfully dismantled clean-tech incentives introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark legislation that represented the most ambitious climate action ever taken in the US. Experts argue that these actions have hindered the nation’s ability to combat climate change, but also point out that market forces and efforts by states and cities continue to drive the shift to clean energy.

“The government’s decisions are having a growing impact over time,” stated Julie McNamara, an associate policy director with the climate and energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. She emphasized the continued relevance of renewables, despite the administration’s attempts to slow their adoption and increase their cost.

Renewable energy solutions are becoming increasingly economical. Texas, despite being the country’s largest oil producer, has turned to clean energy and now produces more renewable electricity than any other state, nearly twice as much as California. Yet, despite significant reductions in the cost of wind, solar and battery technology, the Trump administration has halted several offshore wind projects.

Despite obstacles posed by federal policies, market trends continue to push states toward decarbonization. For instance, in 2024, California increased its battery storage capacity by nearly 70 percent and produced 4.4 percent more renewable electricity than in the previous year. Meanwhile, growing electricity demand is driving the rollout of renewables across the country.

According to a report by energy think tank Ember, solar power generation in the US grew by 27 percent in 2025, meeting 61 percent of the rise in electricity consumption. Ember also noted in a separate report that globally, wind and solar are satisfying, if not exceeding, additional electricity demand.

Various climate campaigns are also playing a crucial role in promoting clean energy. Despite the phasing out of federal clean-energy credits, states continue to offer their own incentives for clean energy solutions. For example, Maine is heavily promoting the installation of electric heat pumps and has surpassed its target of installing 100,000 units two years ahead of schedule.

States, cities, and industries continue to implement measures to address climate change, indicating that federal attempts to reverse these efforts have limited impact. Regardless of federal policies, the transition to clean energy is expected to continue, with states and cities that fail to commit to this transition potentially falling behind.