POLITICO Energy Clean power industry chief on Trump’s first six months: ‘We’re baffled’
Jul 21, 2025
Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, discusses the significant hurdles facing the renewable energy sector under President Trump. He expresses concern over tax credit reductions and the new requirement for cabinet-level approvals, which threatens to slow clean energy project development. Grumet shares insights on the dwindling political power of clean energy advocates and the strategies needed to navigate the fractured political landscape. He emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support to revive the industry's fortunes.
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Contradictory Policies Undermine Renewables
- The Trump administration's actions against renewable energy contradict its stated goals of energy dominance and lowering costs.
- Adding cumbersome permitting layers delays projects and undermines industry growth.
Uncertainty Freezes Renewable Investments
- Industry growth is chilled due to uncertainty from executive orders contradicting congressional intent on tax credits.
- Projects completing after 2027 face investment hesitation, risking supply deficits amid soaring demand.
Political Tribalism Overrides Policy Benefits
- Bipartisan support for renewables was overestimated amid political tribalism.
- Trump’s influence caused many Republicans to reverse their support despite benefits to red states.