The NPR Politics Podcast Year In Review: Trump’s Environmental Policy
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Dec 25, 2025 
Michael Copley, climate correspondent for NPR, and Camila Domonoske, automotive and energy correspondent, delve into the shifting landscape of U.S. environmental policy under Trump. They discuss the stark differences in climate policy between the Trump and Biden eras, including tax credit rollbacks for renewables. The impact of Trump's policies on the oil industry, rising insurance rates due to climate disasters, and the challenges facing electric vehicle adoption are also highlighted. A revealing look at the intersection of politics, economics, and climate.
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Big Bill Reverses Emissions Trajectory
- The One Big Beautiful Bill reverses many Biden-era climate gains and narrows future emissions cuts.
- Emissions are now expected to fall ~25% by 2035 vs 40% under prior policies.
Renewables Face Higher Costs And Slower Growth
- Ending tax credits and using agencies to slow renewables will raise renewable project costs and likely increase power prices.
- Fewer renewables are expected to be added even as power demand rises rapidly due to data centers.
Renewables Aren't The Primary Price Driver
- A Berkeley Lab report found wind and solar themselves aren't the main drivers of rising electricity prices.
- Some state renewable mandates and policies, not the technology, can be linked to higher prices.