As the U.S. approaches a political crossroads, president elect Donald Trump’s ambitions to dismantle environmental protections and climate policies have sparked widespread concern. But the question remains: Can Trump truly halt America’s transition to a renewable energy economy, or is the green momentum too strong to stop?
The landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed in 2022, allocated $370 billion to accelerate the renewable energy economy. This historic investment has already spurred massive progress: factories under construction, green energy projects in motion, and over 300,000 new jobs created. The challenge now lies in protecting this progress against proposed rollbacks.

Trump’s Environmental Rollback Agenda
Trump has pledged to:
- Reverse the EPA’s 2009 carbon emissions ruling.
- Increase oil and gas production on federal lands, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
- Halt restrictions on natural gas export terminals.
- Withdraw from international climate agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord.

The impact of these policies would be severe, hindering renewable energy transitions both domestically and globally. For instance, lifting restrictions on natural gas exports could delay renewable adoption in developing nations reliant on U.S. aid and energy policies.

The Green Economy: Too Big to Fail
Despite Trump’s intentions, the economic reality may render his efforts ineffective. Billions of dollars from the IRA have already been allocated to green projects nationwide. This includes major renewable energy investments in Republican-led states such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas, which are now home to solar panel and storage battery factories and electric vehicle plants. These projects have created thousands of jobs and spurred local economies, making them politically challenging to reverse.

California: A Beacon of Environmental Leadership
California continues to set the pace for environmental progress in the United States and globally. The state’s ambitious policies, such as transitioning to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, have influenced over a dozen other states. California’s vehicle emissions standards directly impact nearly 40% of the U.S. auto market, driving innovation and stricter environmental practices nationwide.
The state’s 2022 Climate Commitment allocated $44 billion to initiatives addressing water conservation, wildfire prevention, and clean energy development. California also passed the first U.S. law requiring major companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, setting a new standard for corporate accountability.
Governor Gavin Newsom has worked to make California’s environmental laws “Trump-proof,” ensuring that federal rollbacks cannot undermine state policies. Additionally, California’s legal victories against the first Trump administration’s environmental rollbacks—winning 83% of cases—demonstrate the state’s resolve and capacity to defend its environmental agenda.

By leveraging its market size (the fifth-largest economy in the world), California exerts substantial influence on national and global environmental standards. Its leadership ensures that clean energy and sustainability remain at the forefront of climate action.
Global Momentum
Internationally, nations are advancing renewable energy adoption. China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, is leading in solar panel production and building the world’s largest solar farms. Globally, renewable energy now accounts for 28% of electricity generation, with solar and wind growing at exponential rates. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that renewables will supply 44% of the nation’s electricity by 2050.
Legal and Grassroots Resistance
Trump’s first term faced fierce opposition from environmental groups, state governments, and local organizations. California successfully blocked 83% of Trump’s legal challenges to its environmental policies. Advocacy groups like the Center for Biological Diversity and Earth justice won 90% of their lawsuits, preserving critical protections for endangered species, national forests, and air quality.

Grassroots efforts have also filled gaps left by federal policy changes. Initiatives like America All In, representing 4,000 mayors, governors, and business leaders, committed to reducing emissions even without federal support. Together, these efforts showcase a united front against climate regression.
The Unstoppable Shift
Market forces are driving the renewable energy revolution. The cost of solar energy has dropped by 40% over the last decade, making renewables more competitive than ever. Companies are embracing green technologies, not just to meet regulations but to capitalize on growing economic opportunities.
John Podesta, the U.S. Climate Envoy, emphasized, “The fight against climate change is bigger than one election or political cycle.” With billions already invested, the transition to a greener future is firmly underway, creating a momentum that no administration can easily derail.
A Call to Action
As climate scientists warn of the urgency to keep two-thirds of fossil fuels in the ground, the path forward is clear: accelerate the transition to renewable energy. America’s leadership, bolstered by state initiatives and grassroots advocacy, remains critical on the global stage.
The renewable revolution is here to stay. No matter the political winds, the shift to clean energy is an unstoppable force driven by economic realities, environmental necessity, and the collective will to build a sustainable future.