Marketplace All-in-One Burning Questions: Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” passed. What now for the climate?
Jul 8, 2025
Shannon Osaka, a climate zeitgeist reporter at The Washington Post, joins the conversation about the recent passage of Trump’s sweeping tax bill that cuts clean energy incentives. She outlines the negative impacts on the climate crisis and the urgent need for consumers to utilize remaining clean energy tax credits. Shannon discusses the challenges of communicating the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, the competitive landscape of renewable energy against nations like China, and emphasizes the importance of renewed climate activism.
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Bill Devastates Clean Energy Incentives
- The new spending and tax bill severely cuts clean energy incentives established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
- This is a devastating setback for renewables and the U.S. energy transition efforts.
Slowed Energy Transition Without Incentives
- The energy transition will continue but at a much slower pace without federal incentives.
- Emissions cuts expected with previous incentives now shrink from 40% to around 25%, falling short of climate goals.
Act Fast on Tax Credits
- Act quickly to install rooftop solar or buy EVs before federal tax credits expire this year.
- Contact reputable local installers immediately to ensure projects qualify for the credits before deadlines.