Trump policies to double power sector carbon emissions by 2035: analysis

The fossil fuel policies pursued by President Donald Trump are projected to result in a doubling of carbon emissions from the power sector by the year 2035, according to an analysis released on Tuesday. The Natural Resources Defense Council conducted the study, highlighting the extensive consequences of Trump's administration's energy policies. The nonprofit group found that these measures would lead to a significant $700 billion loss in investments dedicated to clean energy solutions over the forthcoming decade.

The report delved into the cumulative effects of various Trump-era policies, which sought to reduce utility costs within the first 18 months of his presidency, although real data indicates a 16% increase in electricity costs as of May 2026, as noted by the Energy Information Administration. Key initiatives detailed in the report include the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, which effectively eliminated tax incentives for clean energy projects.

Additionally, the report examined the ongoing global tariff war, which has disrupted supply chains and inflated the expense of technologies used for electricity generation.

Trump's administration has also prioritized the preservation and expansion of the fossil fuel industry. This includes compelling utilities to retain aging, high-cost fossil fuel plants beyond their originally scheduled retirement dates, as well as restarting or constructing new coal-fired power plants. Simultaneously, federal permits for wind energy development have been delayed. Consequently, the full impact of Trump's energy policies is expected to manifest in a doubled carbon footprint for the power sector by 2035.