The US Trump administration has intensified its measures against renewable energy, with policy changes now including the cancellation of established programmes.
Recent actions include new permitting reviews, restrictions on federal land use for projects, and the rescinding of Biden-era renewable policies.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to cancel the $7bn Solar For All programme, designed to provide solar access to over 900,000 low-income households.
EPA head Lee Zeldin announced the programme’s termination as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” spending cuts. The scheme’s 60 recipients – including state energy departments, tribal organisations, and multi-state initiatives – had aimed to deliver community solar projects and direct support.
Some states, such as Massachusetts, projected 20% electricity bill reductions for tens of thousands of residents.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the cancellation “reckless”, while Senator Ed Markey said it would remove billions in savings from households.
Industry groups and analysts warn these measures will increase reliance on fossil fuels, delay or cancel projects, and raise consumer energy costs.
The E2 advocacy group estimates more than $22bn in clean energy projects have been delayed or cancelled since January, with over 16,500 job losses – the majority in Republican districts.
The administration argues the changes “level the playing field” for coal, gas, and nuclear, prioritising “always-on” power. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum now personally approves dozens of renewable permits; a process developers say will mire projects in red tape.
While larger firms claim they can weather the policy shift, smaller developers may struggle, and analysts warn that impacts could extend to projects on private land as well.
