What's happened
In 2025, the US experienced significant policy shifts affecting clean energy. The Biden administration faced setbacks with reduced subsidies and increased tariffs, while California advanced its renewable energy goals. The year was marked by industry resilience amid political opposition and policy uncertainty.
What's behind the headline?
The 2025 energy landscape reveals a clear divide between federal policy and state-level initiatives. The Biden administration's efforts to promote clean energy have been hampered by political opposition, leading to extensions of coal plant operations and delays in offshore wind projects. Meanwhile, California exemplifies resilience, with its aggressive renewable targets and record battery storage expansion. This divergence underscores the importance of state leadership in climate action. The industry’s ability to adapt to policy uncertainty, driven by technological innovation and high demand, suggests that clean energy will continue to grow despite federal setbacks. However, the reduced subsidies and tariffs will likely slow the pace of transition, making the industry more vulnerable to economic fluctuations. The next phase will depend on whether federal policies realign or if states like California can sustain their momentum, shaping the US’s overall climate trajectory.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the Biden administration has extended the operation of coal plants and delayed offshore wind projects, aiming to bolster the coal industry amid policy setbacks. The Independent highlights the resilience of the clean energy industry, despite policy challenges, noting record solar and storage deployments. AP News emphasizes California's leadership, with Gavin Newsom showcasing the state's progress on renewable energy and battery storage, positioning California as a global climate leader in the absence of federal support. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex dynamics shaping US energy policy in 2025.
How we got here
The US's clean energy sector has been shaped by political shifts, notably the departure of the Biden administration and the influence of the Trump administration's policies. Despite federal setbacks, states like California have pushed forward with ambitious renewable energy targets, driven by investments in solar, wind, and battery storage. The industry faced challenges from policy uncertainty, supply chain issues, and tariffs, but technological advances and high demand have sustained growth.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Were the Main Challenges and Wins for Clean Energy in 2025?
2025 was a pivotal year for clean energy, marked by both significant setbacks and remarkable achievements. Despite policy shifts, supply chain issues, and political opposition, the industry made impressive strides, especially in regions like California. Curious about how the sector navigated these hurdles and what the future holds? Below, we explore the key challenges, regional leadership, industry resilience, and what’s next for clean energy after 2025.
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What Are the Key Lessons from 2025’s Energy Challenges?
2025 was a pivotal year for the energy industry, marked by both setbacks and breakthroughs. Despite policy reversals and supply chain issues, the sector demonstrated resilience, especially in regions like California leading the way in renewable energy. Curious about what lessons we’ve learned and what the future holds? Below, we explore the key insights from 2025 and how they shape the path forward for clean energy.
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US Climate Policy 2025: What Changed and What's Next?
In 2025, US climate policies experienced significant shifts, with federal setbacks and state-level progress shaping the country's approach to clean energy. People are asking how policies have changed, why some initiatives faced obstacles, and what the future holds for US climate action. Below, we explore the key developments of 2025 and what they mean for the environment and energy industry.
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What Were the Major Political and Environmental Changes in the US in 2025?
2025 was a pivotal year for the US, marked by significant shifts in politics and climate policy. Despite setbacks at the federal level, states like California pushed ahead with renewable energy goals, showcasing resilience amid policy uncertainty. Curious about the key changes and what they mean for the future? Below, we explore the biggest political shifts, climate policy developments, industry resilience, and what to expect next.
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