The current policy environment is challenging for clean energy, with the Trump administration attempting various strategies, legal or otherwise, to impede the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
However, the economic benefits, environmental and health improvements, and rapid deployment capabilities of clean energy continue to drive its growth, despite efforts to hinder it.
This progress is worth acknowledging. As we celebrate Global Wind Day and the summer solstice, it’s a good time to recognize the potential of the wind and sun in our energy future.
Challenges Facing Clean Energy
The Trump administration’s campaign against solar and wind energy began with executive orders in January 2025, aimed at halting renewable energy projects to promote fossil fuels. This approach has been reinforced by various administrative actions that have discriminated against these energy sources.
One notable tactic involves the $1.8 Billion Scheme, where taxpayer money is used to buy back offshore wind leases from companies to prevent further development of offshore wind projects, a particular target of the administration. The $1.8 billion spent aligns closely with recent healthcare funding cuts passed by the US House of Representatives.
This effort to undermine new electricity sources is bolstered by Congress, which has passed legislation in 2025 to further weaken support for clean energy.
Additionally, the administration has moved to support fossil fuels, including coal, despite its declining economic viability. This includes invoking the Defense Production Act to allocate up to $850 million to keep coal plants operational and build new ones. The EPA has also allowed a Wyoming coal plant to continue operating without pollution-reducing upgrades. This support for obsolete fuels threatens to raise energy costs and worsen health outcomes across the country.
These actions highlight the significant obstacles facing clean energy advancement.
Nonetheless…
Advancements in Wind and Solar Energy
Despite resistance from the Trump administration, solar and wind energy have consistently provided new, cleaner energy solutions. The installation of solar panels and wind turbines has surged in the United States, with solar, wind, and energy storage making up over 90% of new electrical capacity in the past two years, and 96% in the first quarter of this year. Solar energy has led new capacity growth for at least 28 consecutive months.
The growing capacity is reflected in the increasing share of clean electricity in the US. Data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) highlights the contributions of wind and solar power over the years:
Wind and solar generation as a percentage of US electricity supply, January 2001 to April 2026, with thanks to UCS Multimedia Producer Nick Davis-Ianacco (Sources: UCS analysis of EIA data, Ember)
According to the data, wind and solar energy have evolved significantly:
- Initial Steps – In 2001, wind and solar were still emerging, contributing over 1% in 2007, primarily due to wind. Solar reached the 1% mark in 2015.
- Growth – Wind and solar generation surpassed 5% in 2013 and 10% in 2017. By 2021, they achieved 15%, 16%, and 17%, with 2022 seeing over 20% contribution.
- Milestone – Preliminary EIA data for April 2026 indicates that wind and solar provided 26% of US electricity, meaning over one-fourth of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources.
It’s notable that in 2025, the lowest monthly total for solar and wind was nearly 16%. Furthermore, solar production in the first quarter of 2026 was over 20% higher compared to the previous year.
The growth of wind and solar’s contributions, 2001-March 2026. Monthly variations reflect changes in both wind and solar generation and overall generation. Source: UCS analysis, EIA data
Maintaining Momentum
Clean energy has proven to be a superior choice for electricity generation, offering environmental benefits and often being the cheapest option for new supply. It also addresses energy affordability and can be deployed rapidly. To maintain this momentum, efforts must continue to counteract those favoring fossil fuels over clean energy.
State initiatives have long driven renewable energy growth, as policymakers seek clean energy for its cost-effectiveness, pollution reduction, and resilience, countering federal actions against it. An emerging strategy is plug-in solar, which has gained support from various states via new laws, starting with Utah in 2025. This approach allows households, including renters and those in multi-family buildings, to install solar panels that help reduce energy bills, appealing across political lines.
The justice system also plays a crucial role, as the administration’s actions face legal challenges. Recent court cases include:
- The administration’s attempts to halt five offshore wind projects failed in all instances. The first project is now operational, saving money and ensuring power supply in Massachusetts.
- In a case challenging discriminatory practices against wind and solar, plaintiffs (including UCS indirectly) secured a preliminary injunction against the administration.
- A coalition’s lawsuit against anti-solar and wind tax code changes led to a federal judge ruling the administration’s actions as arbitrary and capricious, potentially limiting clean energy development and increasing consumer costs.
- Seven Northeastern states have sued to block the $1.8 Billion Scheme, with NY Attorney General Letitia James describing it as an “illegal agreement” steering companies from offshore wind to fossil fuels.
Ongoing efforts in these areas, and others, are essential to prevent the administration’s detrimental policies from hindering the US’s clean energy future.
A Growing Movement
Despite challenges, wind and solar energy, along with their advocates, remain undeterred by the administration’s resistance. According to the latest projections from the solar industry and Wood Mackenzie, while new solar installations may decline from last year, this year could still rank as the third highest on record.
Recent data underscores the ongoing transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy: in May 2026, for the first time, the US generated more electricity from solar than coal.
The momentum of clean energy continues to build, and the task now is to sustain and grow this progress.
