Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm stated it would be "political malpractice" to remove clean energy incentives benefiting various parts of the U.S., especially areas with below-average wages and education rates. She emphasized that these investments are providing opportunities to communities that have felt left behind, particularly in the clean energy sector, which excites young people. However, she added that efforts are underway to commit funding and finalize contracts before the term ends.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the Democratic nominee after Biden stepped down this summer, has expressed her intent to pursue a similar climate agenda focused on emission reductions, renewable energy, and job creation in the clean energy field. Recently, announcements of environmental grants and project approvals have accelerated, with Biden "sprinting to the finish" to fulfill his clean energy and climate promises, as described by Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian.
This summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made $20 billion available for clean energy projects like residential heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management also approved the nation's 10th offshore wind farm in Maryland, pushing closer to Biden's goal of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Additionally, a key offshore wind project in New Jersey was given the green light earlier this month.
In the past month, the Energy Department has made six billion-dollar announcements, including $3 billion for battery manufacturing and a $1.5 billion loan to restart a Michigan nuclear plant. Biden also set a 10-year deadline for cities to replace lead pipes, allocating $2.6 billion from the EPA for compliance. Along with the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden is utilizing funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021 and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, both designed to support roads, bridges, and the computer chip sector.
Energy experts say the rush of announcements isn't unexpected, with a potential White House change increasing the urgency to implement clean energy programs. The climate legislation is expected to reduce U.S. emissions by 40% by 2030, in line with the Paris climate accord. However, a new analysis from consultant Baringa found that Trump's return could stall the clean energy transition, slowing renewable rollouts and extending reliance on coal and gas. Baringa's report estimates that Trump's policies could raise emissions by 12% by 2030 compared to policies under Biden or Harris, which could delay the energy transition by five years.
As vice president, Harris cast the tiebreaking vote for the Inflation Reduction Act and has long supported green energy initiatives. However, she also highlighted that the administration has overseen a significant increase in domestic oil production, balancing climate goals with energy independence. Trump's policies could reverse Biden's emission cuts and extend reliance on fossil fuels, with profound implications for the global energy transition.
Despite opposition to Biden's climate law, many Republican districts benefit from the clean energy investments. Sixty percent of major clean energy projects, representing 82% of the investments and 69% of the jobs, are located in these districts, according to the environmental research group E2. Some House Republicans, especially those in tight reelection races, have voiced support for energy tax credits that are spurring job growth.
Conrad Schneider from the Clean Air Task Force emphasized that the U.S. needs to maintain its commitment to clean energy across administrations and political cycles for the energy transition to succeed.