Senator Whitehouse (RI) speaks in front of the U.S. Capitol with LCV staff advocating for clean energy tax credits and funding threatened under Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill. Photo credit: Jessie Cohen, LCV
Despite clean energy’s popularity, Republicans are attacking clean energy investments and tax incentives – and the jobs and cost savings they generate – through their Big Ugly Bill.
In contrast, states are moving forward with clean energy programs and legislation to save families and workers money, meet energy demands, and reduce emissions from big polluters. This month, we’re celebrating progress in the states to invest in clean energy, lower rising energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
States are working across the aisle to help communities meet energy demands and lower energy costs for consumers. Many consumers face high energy rates driven by demand from energy-intense industries, as well as extreme heat and weather. Expanding clean energy projects will allow communities to meet increased demand and reduce household energy costs.
Oregon: The Oregon state legislature passed a bill creating a new classification for data centers, cryptocurrency, and other large industrial energy users. This bill addresses rising energy costs for consumers by ensuring the biggest polluters pay their fair share.
New Jersey: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a $430 million relief package to help offset residents’ power bills. Consumers in the state have been facing rising energy costs, especially in the summer as energy demand increases.
California: California unveiled a first-of-its-kind solar project that covers 1,400 feet of canals with solar panels. The panels are expected to generate 1.3 gigawatts of power annually, conserve land, and improve water quality. California also greenlit the country’s largest solar and battery project, with solar panels that will generate enough clean, affordable energy to power 862,500 homes, and a giant battery and substation to connect to the grid.
Nevada: Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill to allow affordable housing developers to install rooftop solar panels on multifamily housing units. Installing solar energy systems will help alleviate high energy costs, especially for seniors and low-wealth communities.
From Ohio to New York, states are working overtime to hold big polluters accountable and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions from expensive, inefficient fossil fuels.
Connecticut: The Connecticut state legislature passed a major climate bill that establishes a net-zero goal for the state by 2050, prioritizes tax rebates for climate-conscious businesses, outlines a plan for increasing solar canopy, and more to expand emissions reductions efforts in the state.
Maine: Maine passed a law accelerating the states’ goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2040. The law will expand Maine’s renewable portfolio, focusing on rooftop wind, solar, and battery storage, and will save households an estimated $1,300 on energy per year.
Ohio: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a bill eliminating coal subsidies. These subsidies have cost Ohio ratepayers over half a billion dollars since being enacted in 2019 and prolonged the life of two coal plants in the state.
New York: The New York Assembly passed a bill repealing a rule which subsidizes new gas hookups in the state and has hindered New York’s transition to clean energy while increasing costs for ratepayers. Its repeal will help bolster New York’s transition away from dirty, expensive fossil fuels.
Follow us on Instagram, BlueSky, and X for weekly Good Climate News updates. We’ll be back on The Power Source blog next month with another roundup of highlights.
In this fraught political moment, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard to protect people and the planet. One of the most effective ways to get involved in making positive change is by calling your members of Congress. If you’ve never called before, or you just need a refresher, check out our post on how to call your members of Congress in 3 easy steps!
LCV has been on the ground telling Senate Republicans to reject handouts to polluters and billionaires. You can join us in fighting Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill by telling your senators to oppose attempts to gut environmental and public lands protections and clean energy incentives.
To get involved in bringing about even more good climate news, join us at org/get-involved/.
Jul 10, 2025
Jun 30, 2025
Jun 25, 2025
Jun 20, 2025
©2025 League of Conservation Voters