Democrats plan to champion clean energy initiatives to combat rising costs and counter the fossil fuel agenda of President Donald Trump once they assume control of Congress in January. With new majorities in the House and Senate following last week's midterm elections, Democrats are poised to set an agenda focused on boosting clean energy and addressing climate change, though these issues were not central themes of the recent election cycle.
Lawmakers can initiate investigations and hold hearings into climate policy rollbacks and the elimination of green energy grants under the current Republican administration. Democrats aim to potentially reverse some of these changes and reinstate renewable energy incentives. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, argued that Trump's policies on clean energy have increased costs for taxpayers. He stated that Democrats will "work every angle to lower consumers’ energy costs, and we will demand accountability for the massive corruption wrought by Trump’s fossil-fuel donors.”
Industry leaders feel encouraged by this shift. Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, indicated that "everybody who is trying to build clean energy feels bolstered.” However, enacting significant legislative changes will necessitate Republican support, as Democrats will not command enough votes to override presidential vetoes. Furthermore, guaranteed reductions in energy bills are not certain, as prices are also influenced by fuel costs, demand, and grid maintenance expenses.
Lisa Sachs, director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, noted that the recent elections provide Democrats with "more leverage over spending and more political power to advance a coherent agenda." She emphasized the need for clarity on which policies will deliver the affordability and opportunity voters sought.
President Trump has expressed his intention to veto legislation he deems "insane," though he also suggested that cooperation with Democrats might be possible after initial vetoes. The White House stated that Trump is "committed to unleashing reliable, affordable, and secure energy sources to lower prices, strengthen our grid, and protect our national security, and is willing to work with anyone to accomplish this.”
Despite promises to lower energy prices, Trump's policies, including his stance on Iran, have been linked to increased costs for gasoline, diesel, and electricity. Simultaneously, his administration reduced clean energy projects and grants and slowed permitting processes. Trump has shown a particular dislike for offshore wind projects, even as large facilities like Revolution Wind off the coast of Rhode Island have begun commercial operations.
Experts anticipate that Trump will continue to advocate for expanded oil, natural gas, and coal production, arguing for lower electricity costs. Mike Sommers, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, stated that the "affordability message is unmistakable" to voters. He sees an opportunity for bipartisan collaboration on energy permitting reform, a proposal aimed at expediting energy projects.
Conversely, Ife Kilimanjaro, executive director of the U.S. Climate Action Network, urged Democrats to reject such proposals and instead prioritize legislation that expands clean energy infrastructure. Analysts expect Democrats to scrutinize environmental and climate-related rollbacks, potentially seeking to block their implementation. Some suggest Democrats might also amend the Clean Air Act to reduce carbon emissions and oppose EPA budget cuts.
Representative Sean Casten, D-Ill., expressed cautious optimism that some Republicans might distinguish themselves from Trump by supporting environmental policies. However, he acknowledged that without Republican backing, more ambitious Democratic bills may serve primarily to outline the party's agenda for future elections. Climate policy is not currently the top legislative priority for Democrats, who are also focusing on healthcare access, trade tariffs, and the Iran war.
David Victor, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, predicts a period of federal stalemate on energy and climate policy due to divided government, although bipartisan agreement might be found on measures like permitting reform. He anticipates Democratic-led investigations will focus on corruption and related topics, with many proposed bills likely not becoming law but serving to define future Democratic goals.
Wins in gubernatorial races in states like Texas and Georgia could spur state-level climate action, according to Leah Stokes, a political scientist at UC Santa Barbara. She remains optimistic about extending clean energy tax credits at the federal level, noting some Republican support for such measures.
Jay Inslee, a former Democratic governor and congressman from Washington, also foresees increased momentum for clean energy at the state level, especially in states where Democrats secured both the governorship and legislative majorities. He believes this presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. to regain global leadership in clean energy, even with potential federal vetoes.