Staff from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and GRID Alternatives Colorado install rooftop solar panels during a volunteer event with GRID Alternatives Colorado. The 6.7kW solar installation project should provide the home with $1,200 annual savings, as well as deliver clean energy to their home, over the next 20 years. Credit: U.S. Department of Energy
To: Interested Parties
From: Bill Holland, Vice President, State Policy and Advocacy, LCV
Date: February 27th, 2025
Re: How states are fighting back against Trump’s clean energy ban
From his first moments in office, Donald Trump has used the Presidency to stall and gut clean energy and attack climate science across the federal government. These actions have already hurt millions of people in every corner of the country, raising energy costs for working families, cutting good paying jobs, and polluting our communities. This amounts to a federal clean energy ban, all to fill the pockets of the billionaire oil executives that funded his campaign.
Thankfully, the response from the public has been just as swift. Congress’ phone lines and inboxes have been full every day with people who know how important these investments are for our future.
Most importantly, states are fighting back. This year, in legislatures and governors’ offices across the country, we have already seen champions announce ambitious new plans and seek to “Trump-proof” climate goals. In the memo below we’ve laid out new state level clean energy legislation, proposed public transportation and electric vehicle investments, and actions taken to hold the biggest polluters accountable. This is thanks to the dedicated work of state and local leaders as well as advocates like the League of Conservation Voters’ state affiliates in the Conservation Voter Movement rallying the public to action across the country. Together, they understand that we cannot afford to go backwards. State action is critical to not only hold the line against federal attacks, but to keep the country moving forward on climate.
Here are the biggest opportunities for climate and clean energy progress we see across the country in 2025:
The state legislature’s bipartisan majority coalition is considering a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and an increased investment in the state Renewable Energy Fund that would dedicate state funding to expedite the deployment of renewables in Alaska. The Alaska Center, alongside union partners, is working to ensure that the state follows through on its promises to fund critical infrastructure updates whether or not federal funds continue to flow.
California legislators introduced the Affordable Insurance and Climate Recovery Act (sponsored by California Environmental Voters, Center for Climate Integrity, and Extreme Weather Survivors) following unprecedented wildfires in Los Angeles that have officially become the most expensive wildfire disaster in US history. If enacted, this landmark bill will save the FAIR plan, which is the insurer of last resort in California, from insolvency and stop rate insurance rate hikes by requiring the FAIR plan to sue oil and gas companies on behalf of policyholders to recover losses from climate-driven events such as catastrophic wildfires. The bill also provides individuals and businesses the right to sue oil and gas companies for losses caused by climate disasters and extreme weather events. California is also considering the Polluters Pay Superfund Bill which if enacted would assess the climate damages caused by fossil fuel companies and leverage fees to invest in climate resilient communities.
Colorado is considering accelerating its Renewable Portfolio Standard to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040, and passing decarbonization policy for buildings. Also, the Colorado Department of Transportation is in the process of updating its 10-year plan to meet the state’s climate targets and advocates like Conservation Colorado are pushing for it to include more public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure.
The state has a number of crucial bills this session. These range from upgrading the grid and strengthening building efficiency standards, to securing public transportation funding and increasing the availability and reliability of zero emissions vehicles and other mobility options. Another major priority for local advocates like the Illinois Environmental Council is advocating for a Solar Bill of Rights, which would prevent municipalities and homeowners associations from banning solar panels and facilitate local permitting.
The state is considering legislation to codify Governor Janet Mills’ goal of 100% clean energy by 2040, as well as polluter pays legislation, which would require fossil fuel companies to pay for climate damages. As Trump’s clean energy ban continues to make energy more unaffordable for everyday people, advocates like Maine Conservation Voters are also supporting the Energy Fairness Act to lower energy costs and help vulnerable customers keep the lights on.
The Maryland legislature is considering enacting the state’s first-ever 100% clean energy commitment, codifying a goal set by Governor Wes Moore. The Maryland 2025 session has also seen bills to promote the development of in-state clean energy while ensuring protections for electricity customers, and require regulators to consider cumulative impacts of pollution when granting environmental permits. Maryland LCV continues to advocate for offshore wind development to reach the state’s goal of 8.5 GW of offshore wind by 2031 and is building public pressure to limit opportunities for fossil fuel expansion like new natural gas facilities.
Governor Phil Murphy made 100% clean energy by 2035 a top priority in his January State of the State address, and New Jersey LCV is pushing for legislation codifying that goal. The Garden State is also considering a bill to hold climate polluters financially responsible for climate change impacts. New Jersey LCV Education Fund is also ensuring that climate and clean energy are at the forefront of this year’s governors race through their recently launched EnviroFix in ’26 campaign.
The New Mexico legislature is considering passing the Clear Horizons Act which would commit the state to reducing climate emissions 100% below 2005 levels by 2050. The proposed legislation builds off Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 2019 executive order, and is part of her effort to Trump-proof the state’s climate goals. Other proposed legislation would create a Community Benefit Fund that would invest $340 million into chronically underfunded programs, including climate resiliency, public health, and environmental justice initiatives.
New York is still implementing the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Advocates like NYLCV are pushing the state to establish this cap-and-invest program to address climate change and drive resources into communities most impacted by pollution. State lawmakers are also debating the Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (NY HEAT) which would help phase out the use of gas in buildings while capping gas bill costs for low-income customers. New York LCV is pushing to increase state renewable energy procurement targets, particularly for offshore wind.
The Ohio General Assembly is considering comprehensive energy reform legislation this year, H.B. 15 and SB 2, that includes repeal of existing Coal Plant subsidies, significant ratemaking reform, and energy and transmission siting and permitting reform. Local advocates like Ohio Environmental Council are also working to ensure energy efficiency is included in this legislation, and that energy siting doesn’t favor natural gas or harm local communities.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced a six-part plan to accelerate clean energy across the state, including proposals to streamline the energy permitting process, update state energy efficiency programs, increase incentives for clean energy investment and manufacturing, and codify targets for clean energy development. The plan already has support from advocates like Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, business leaders, and labor unions. Governor Shapiro also sued the Trump Administration for withholding funds committed to Pennsylvania from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure package that would help promote clean energy jobs, lower energy bills, and reduce pollution. On February 24th, those funds were fully restored to the state of Pennsylvania.
The Evergreen state is currently defending clean trucks standards and strengthening cumulative impacts protections for pollution. Advocates like Washington Conservation Action are also supporting several bills to accelerate clean energy generation and transmission and remove barriers to development, while respecting Tribal sovereignty and environmental protections. In addition, Washington is focused on defending its monumental climate progress and defending state climate investments.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters