From landmark clean energy investments to sweeping rollbacks — US climate policy has never moved faster, or more unpredictably.
The 2022 IRA was the largest climate investment in US history. By 2025, it triggered $300B+ in clean energy investment and 300,000+ jobs. The 2025 Congress moved to claw back portions — a fight still in courts.
The 2025 administration withdrew from climate commitments, paused offshore wind leasing, weakened EPA methane rules, and opened more federal lands for fossil fuel development. States like CA, NY, and WA countered with their own standards.
The $7,500 EV tax credit faced rollback threats, but market momentum continued. US EV sales reached 9% of new car sales in 2025. Battery costs fell below $100/kWh for the first time.
Despite policy headwinds, the US grid reached 25% renewable generation in 2025 — up from 12% in 2016. Solar and wind additions continue at record pace driven by economics, not just policy. Coal fell below 15% for the first time.
The US withdrew from the Paris Agreement in early 2025. However, 24 US states and 500+ cities reaffirmed climate targets. US emissions fell 3% in 2025 even without federal mandates, driven by market forces.
Key battles: IRA tax credits in courts, EPA methane rules, Colorado River operating guidelines, FERC transmission policy, and the 2026 midterm election effect on Congressional climate math.
Non-partisan, fact-based coverage of US environmental and climate policy at Sustainability Awakening.