Janice R. Andrews
As President-elect Donald Trump assembles his team for his second term, environmental analysts and advocates are bracing for significant changes in U.S. climate policy. Trump’s reelection signals a potential rollback of environmental protections, renewable energy incentives, and electric vehicle (EV) advancements. For many, the outlook is grim.
Trump’s Climate Skepticism Shapes His Agenda
Donald Trump has consistently dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change. During his campaign and following his reelection, he outlined a vision centered on fossil fuel expansion, eliminating tax credits for EVs and clean energy, and dismantling climate legislation passed during President Joe Biden’s term.
Key among Trump’s promises is undoing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has significantly boosted renewable energy projects and EV adoption. He referred to the legislation as the “green new scam,” and his rhetoric aligns closely with the Project 2025 playbook by the conservative Heritage Foundation. While Trump has publicly distanced himself from this document, several of its authors have been nominated to critical positions in his administration.
An Administration Poised for Environmental Rollbacks
Environmental groups fear Trump’s second term will be even more aggressive than his first. Rachel Cleetus, policy director for climate and energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), described the incoming administration as “anti-science at its core.”
“Instead of using accepted climate research to guide policymaking, we see a loyalty to fossil fuel interests,” Cleetus stated. With a Republican-controlled Congress and a conservative-majority Supreme Court, Trump’s administration will face few obstacles in executing its agenda.
Lee Zeldin at the Helm of the EPA
Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), former Congressman Lee Zeldin, has a track record of opposing environmental regulations. Environmental organizations are concerned about his ability to protect public health and the environment. During his time in Congress, Zeldin earned a mere 14% score from environmental advocacy groups for his voting record.
As EPA head, Zeldin is expected to target many of Biden’s environmental rules, including those related to air and water pollution, drilling, biodiversity, and toxic substances. Critics, such as Ben Jealous of the Sierra Club, argue that Zeldin’s leadership will prioritize corporate polluters over public health.
Budget Cuts and Agency Weakening
Mandy Gunasekara, who played a significant role in Trump’s first presidency and contributed to Project 2025, has outlined plans to “tear down and rebuild” the EPA. During Trump’s first term, the agency’s budget stagnated, and over 1,100 employees left amid morale issues. The second term is expected to continue these trends, with proposed budget cuts and reduced staffing undermining the EPA’s regulatory capabilities.
“Drill, Baby, Drill!”
Trump’s energy policy focuses on increasing fossil fuel production to achieve “energy independence” and reduce energy costs. His nominee for the Department of Energy, Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, has championed fossil fuels, dismissing the notion of “clean” energy.
“Trump is stacking his administration with fossil fuel executives,” noted the Sierra Club. Industry groups, such as the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, anticipate that the administration will expand fracking on federal lands and accelerate permits for oil and gas projects, including those in the Gulf of Mexico.
Renewable Energy and EVs in the Crosshairs
Renewable energy initiatives and EV tax credits, central to Biden’s climate agenda, face significant threats under Trump. The IRA’s provisions have spurred a boom in clean energy investments and job creation. Despite Republican criticism, clean energy projects enjoy bipartisan support, particularly in states that backed Trump, such as Georgia, Texas, and Indiana.
Industry analysts believe dismantling the IRA won’t be straightforward. Many funds have already been allocated to projects like lithium extraction in California, solar panel manufacturing in Texas, and EV battery plants in Georgia. These investments are projected to contribute over $400 billion to the U.S. economy.
Rachel Cleetus warned that reversing these initiatives would leave the U.S. behind in the global clean energy race. Countries like China, India, and Brazil are rapidly advancing renewable energy technologies, creating robust supply chains that the U.S. risks losing out on.
The Challenges of Reversing Climate Progress
While Trump’s plans have raised alarm, implementing them won’t happen overnight. Many of Biden’s policies are deeply embedded in regulatory frameworks, requiring a lengthy and complex process to undo. Additionally, legal challenges from environmental groups and states are likely to delay or block many of Trump’s executive actions.
Cleetus highlighted the growing difficulty of ignoring climate issues. On the international stage, climate change has become a cornerstone of diplomatic relations, trade policies, and security discussions. Developing nations facing severe climate impacts will push back against any U.S. withdrawal from global climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement.
The Future of U.S. Climate Policy
Trump’s second term could mark a turning point in U.S. climate policy, undoing years of progress while intensifying global scrutiny. Environmental advocates emphasize the need for vigilance and opposition to prevent irreversible damage.
Despite the challenges, the renewable energy sector remains resilient. Clean energy investments, job creation, and bipartisan support at state levels could counterbalance federal rollbacks. The fight for a sustainable future in the U.S. is far from over, even as the political landscape shifts under Trump’s leadership.
