Republicans scramble as Democrats weaponize Project 2025

Democrats are turning the tables on Republicans by using Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint, as a powerful political weapon.

Garrett Downs and Timothy Cama report for E&E News.


In short:

  • Democrats are linking Republicans to Project 2025, a detailed policy manual, to portray them as extreme ahead of the upcoming election.
  • Republicans, who once used the Green New Deal to attack Democrats, are now on the defensive as Project 2025 proves unpopular with voters.
  • Polls show Project 2025’s policies, like cutting renewable energy funding and mass firing government workers, are largely rejected by the public.

Key quote:

“This is just rocket fuel for Democratic motivation and turnout.”

— Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), House Democratic task force leader.

Why this matters:

While the Green New Deal was about aggressively tackling climate change with sweeping reforms, Project 2025 seems to be a pivot in the opposite direction, potentially undermining environmental protections in favor of deregulation. For the average American, this could mean a rollback on efforts to curb emissions, protect public lands, and address climate justice. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.

A small rooftop solar panel on a tiled roof

Iran war sparks renewables boom as Europeans rush to buy solar, heat pumps and EVs

The war on Iran has become a catalyst for green technology, as Europeans scramble to find less volatile alternatives to oil and gas.
A various headshots of a woman in varying states of emotion

The emotional contradictions of climate messaging

Two new analyses of media and social posts reveal some unexpected twists — climate advocates warn of crisis while offering optimism, and skeptics lean on "science."

A water desalination plant in the desert next to a body of water

What Trump's threat against Iran's desalination plants means for Mideast

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, including its desalination plants.
A row of wind turbines against a blue sky

Texas saw a $50B future in renewables. Then the political winds shifted

Clean energy brought income to ranchers and to counties buffeted by boom-and-bust oil cycles. Federal policy changes threaten that momentum.
A prison wall with barbed wire and guard towers

Federal trial over insufficient AC in Texas prisons starts

The plaintiffs are asking for the entire Texas prison system to be air-conditioned by the end of 2029 in a trial that is expected to last two weeks.
Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont, USA. Vermont State House is Greek Revival style built in 1859.
Credit: jiawangkun/BigStock Photo ID: 71198428

Vermont hits back at Trump’s effort to block ‘climate superfund’ law

The law would make fuel companies help pay for damages caused by climate change. The Trump nadministration argues it’s unconstitutional.

Electrician in yellow-green shirt using a screwdriver while working on an electrical service panel

Many homes already have the power to electrify, study finds

A California power provider shows homes can ditch fossil-fueled appliances without pricey electrical service upgrades after all.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.