The Clean Energy Crisis Under Trump’s Energy Emergency

President Trump took sharp action on the generation of clean energy. He stopped funding contained in the Inflation Reduction Act for offshore wind projects. Under the pretense of an energy crisis emergency Trump has decimated renewable energy projects, wind and solar, in favor of air polluting coal and natural gas.

Many experts and state leaders argue the emergency is not real. Fifteen states are suing the administration over the claim. Critics say the policies themselves are worsening the energy crisis by delaying or eliminating renewable energy projects power generation.

Offshore Wind Projects Shut Down

A clear example is the Revolution Wind Project. Developers have nearly finished this major offshore wind farm that is ready to deliver power to New England. Instead, the government ordered the developer, Ørsted to stop building, citing national security concerns.

This is a serious problem for New England, where electricity is already among the most expensive in the country. The regional grid operator, ISO-New England, was counting on this project to keep the grid stable and lower consumer costs. Without it, the region depends more on natural gas, a limited and often very expensive energy source.

If there really is an energy emergency, stopping low-cost renewable energy projects doesn’t make sense. Yet, the administration has pulled back federal funding. It has introduced leasing rules that make it almost impossible for new wind and solar projects to succeed. Energy researchers predict this means the U.S. will not build the clean energy it needs for the next ten years. As a result, analysts expect power prices to rise, deepening the clean energy crisis.

Fossil Fuels Extended While the Clean Energy Crisis Grows

While renewable energy projects are being blocked, the government is forcing old fossil fuel plants to stay open. For example, a Michigan coal plant that was ready to close has to keep running, costing its owners nearly $30 million in just five weeks. Officials ordered another gas-and-oil plant in Pennsylvania to stay online even though grid experts said it was no longer needed.

This shows the contradiction. The administration is stopping affordable clean energy while extending the life of costly and polluting fossil fuel plants. Even with these obstacles, clean energy is still growing nationwide. By 2024, wind and solar provided 17% of all U.S. electricity, surpassing coal for the first time.

The country now has more than 320 gigawatts of clean energy capacity. Enough to power about 80 million homes, and battery storage has expanded quickly to support the grid. Still, investment in clean power dropped sharply in 2024 because of policy uncertainty. Industry experts say U.S. clean energy growth is now at risk.

Jobs, Nuclear Power, and Public Action in the Clean Energy Crisis

The Inflation Reduction Act created more than 400,000 clean energy jobs and drew billions in investment. But many of these gains are now at risk if tax breaks end or tariffs increase costs.

At the same time, the administration is pushing a nuclear revival, reopening plants in Michigan and Iowa and planning new reactors. While nuclear can provide steady power, past projects have been slow and costly, leaving questions about its role in solving the clean energy crisis.

Meanwhile, citizens are taking action. On September 21, Sun Day will feature over 150 events nationwidefrom solar home tours to EV test drives. This is aimed at building support for renewables and push back against the clean energy crisis.

ECN Supports Clean Energy

At EcocentricNow LLC, we believe the conversation around energy should focus on building a sustainable future that includes wind and solar along with advancing nuclear power generation. Our mission remains clear, providing practical, eco-friendly lighting solutions that reduce environmental impact. Through our LED property lighting, emergency preparedness tools, and battery-efficient technologies, we continue to support innovation that lowers emissions and advances a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.

References
Canary Media, The incoherence of Trump’s ‘energy emergency’.
Climate Power, More than 400,000 new clean energy jobs have been created since IRA passage.
Donald Trump Invents an Energy Emergency
Trump administration cancels $679 million for offshore wind projects