Trump policies to double power sector carbon emissions by 2035 - Report

Policies enacted during former U.S. President Donald Trump's term could significantly increase the power sector's carbon footprint and stifle clean energy growth, a new report suggests. The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) analysis indicates that Trump's "fossil fuel agenda" may double power sector carbon emissions by 2035 and result in $700 billion less in clean energy investments over the next decade.

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An Affordability Crisis of Trump’s Making

The report, titled "An Affordability Crisis of Trump’s Making," examined policies such as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" which reduced clean energy tax credits, and a global tariff war that strained supply chains. Trump's administration also focused on supporting the fossil fuel industry by encouraging utilities to keep older plants operational and delaying federal permits for wind development. These actions are projected to lead to a loss of 390 to 540 gigawatts of new wind, solar, and energy storage capacity by 2035.

Consumers could face higher electricity bills, with U.S. households potentially spending up to $30 billion more annually on electricity, and some regions experiencing up to a 25% increase. The NRDC attributes this to the increased reliance on older, polluting fossil fuel plants. "From day one of this term, the Trump administration has waged war on clean energy, destroying new investments, while owners of old, polluting coal plants get handouts and free passes to pollute," said Amanda Levin, director of policy analysis at NRDC.

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From day one of this term, the Trump administration has waged war on clean energy, destroying new investments, while owners of old, polluting coal plants get handouts and free passes to pollute.

The report also raises serious public health concerns. Increased air pollution from coal and gas plants running longer is predicted to cause up to 69,000 additional early deaths and 85,000 extra emergency room visits and hospital admissions over the next decade. The analysis used an energy model to compare the impact of Trump's policies against a scenario of policies in place before his term, factoring in rising electricity demand from data centers.

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As a result, utility bills are on the rise, projects are cancelled, jobs are lost and more pollution is endangering the health of our families and the climate.