Trump’s second term could lead to rollbacks on key climate policies
Following his election victory and a GOP Senate majority, President Donald Trump may dismantle climate policies that have helped curb U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, raising concerns about the future of U.S. climate action.
Jennifer McDermott and Matthew Daly report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Trump has vowed to repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, a law supporting clean energy initiatives that could reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.
- Key EPA rules, including those targeting emissions from coal plants and methane leaks, may also face repeal under Trump’s administration, with reduced federal backing for enforcement.
- States and local governments are expected to continue some climate efforts independently, with bipartisan support for renewable energy, nuclear power and emissions reductions.
Key quote:
“No matter what Trump may say, the shift to clean energy is unstoppable and our country is not turning back.”
— Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator
Why this matters:
With climate-linked extreme weather events on the rise, federal rollbacks on emissions and renewable energy incentives could slow critical progress. As federal efforts recede, state-led actions may play an essential role in maintaining climate goals.
Read Brian Bienkowski’s take: Donald Trump wins US presidency. What that could mean for the environment.
