As the Trump administration systematically dismantles hard-won environmental protections and dumps incentives for clean energy, forward-thinking US states are stepping up to fill the leadership void on climate action. Undaunted by the federal rollbacks, state officials and advocates are pushing ahead with innovative policies and legal challenges to keep the transition to a green economy on track.
States Charge Ahead with Bold Climate Policies
Just days after Trump’s re-election, lawmakers in climate pioneer California held a special session to start mounting a defense of the state’s progressive environmental policies. The state is now allocating $50 million to fund legal battles against destructive federal decisions.
Meanwhile in New York, newly signed laws will make big oil and gas pay for climate damages, protect students from pollution, and expand the fracking ban. The state has also resurrected congestion pricing plans and pledged $1 billion to greening the economy.
“Our states, cities, businesses, and local institutions stand ready to pick up the baton of US climate leadership and do all they can – despite federal complacency – to continue the shift to a clean energy economy.”
– Gina McCarthy, former climate adviser to Biden
Advancing Renewable Energy Goals
Trump’s attacks haven’t deterred states from charging ahead with ambitious renewable energy targets. Rhode Island, for instance, is on track to bring 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind online by 2027 while demonstrating how clean power creates quality jobs.
Although federal renewable incentives are frozen, experts say many permitted projects in the pipeline, especially in New England, can still move forward. States are also exploring policies like building decarbonization that don’t need DC’s stamp of approval to slash emissions.
Red States Reap Green Economy Rewards
It’s not only blue states leading the charge. Republican-led districts have been some of the biggest beneficiaries of Biden’s climate investments, receiving 85% of the economic boost and 68% of the jobs created.
From Capitol Hill to union halls, surprising red state voices are now advocating to protect these clean energy incentives. House Republicans and Wisconsin workers alike are touting the transformative local impacts of green projects and imploring leaders not to abandon this progress.
“Energy tax credits have spurred innovation, incentivized investment, and created good jobs in many parts of the country – including many districts represented by members of our conference.”
– Letter from 18 House Republicans to Speaker Mike Johnson
The Road Ahead for Climate Pioneers
As the battle lines are drawn, state leaders and advocates are gearing up for a long fight to protect hard-won climate progress. While the ultimate impact of legal challenges remains to be seen, one thing is clear: these pioneering states will not be deterred from forging a cleaner, greener future.
With unwavering commitment, strategic policies, and broad coalitions, they’re demonstrating that bold climate leadership can continue to thrive in statehouses from coast to coast – no matter who sits in the Oval Office.
Today, our states and territories continue to have broad authority under the US constitution to protect our progress and advance the climate solutions we need.
— New York Governor Kathy Hochul
