Trump policies to double power sector carbon emissions by 2035, analysis finds

Donald Trump's policies have directed the power sector towards a doubling of carbon emissions by 2035, according to a new analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The Trump administration's agenda has led to a $700 billion loss in clean energy investments over the next decade, as the policies aimed at reducing electricity costs have instead driven up prices and caused construction delays.

The report, titled "An Affordability Crisis of Trump's Making," highlights how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 and the global tariff war have contributed to the problem.

The NRDC's examination of the cumulative impact of Trump's policies reveals that US consumers will spend up to $30 billion more annually on electricity by 2035, with household bills potentially rising by up to 25% in some areas. The analysis also found that power sector carbon dioxide emissions could be twice as high by 2035, with a projected increase to over a billion metric tonnes, compared to 500 million metric tonnes in a pre-Trump scenario.

Amanda Levin, director of policy analysis at NRDC, criticized the administration's approach, stating that while old, polluting coal plants receive subsidies, clean energy projects face cancellations and job losses. The report uses an energy model to compare the effects of Trump's policies to those prior to his presidency, taking into account planned repeal of power plant emission standards, tariffs, and tax credit expiration for wind and solar.

The findings indicate that older coal and gas plants will run more frequently, leading to increased air pollution and potential health risks, including up to 69,000 additional early deaths and 85,000 more emergency room visits and hospital admissions over the next decade.