Source: The New York Times

Date Published: 07.26.2025

Link: Is Decarbonization Dead?

There has been a reversal of key climate and clean energy policies following the repeal of major parts of the Inflation Reduction Act under the Trump administration’s “big beautiful bill.” The IRA had directed large-scale federal investment toward clean energy through tax credits for wind, solar, electric vehicles, and domestic manufacturing. While it succeeded in driving record solar and battery deployment and spurred over $100 billion in private investment, much of that progress is now at risk. The repeal eliminated many of the core incentives for wind, solar, and EVs, significantly reducing expected emissions reductions by 2030 and weakening the country’s competitive position in industries where China is advancing rapidly. Electricity prices are expected to rise, and the U.S. is projected to become more reliant on fossil fuels again.

Despite the setback, climate action is not an all-or-nothing problem. Every bit of avoided warming still matters. Experts argue the next priorities should include meaningful permitting reform to speed up clean energy projects, targeted support for emerging technologies like geothermal and carbon removal, and a clearer industrial strategy to rebuild supply chains and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The challenge now lies not just in policy design but also in navigating the political and institutional hurdles that limit the speed and scale of deployment.