Major energy policies from President Biden’s administration face dismantling. The former administration’s ambitious clean energy goals included making America’s electricity grid completely fossil fuel-free by 2035. Federal agencies had orders to buy only clean electricity by 2030. The Biden team wanted Congress to pass laws making the power grid 80% clean by 2030.
Biden’s government spent $20 billion fighting methane pollution through a detailed action plan with 50 specific steps. Oil and gas companies faced new fees for releasing methane into the air. These fees would’ve reached $1,500 per metric ton by 2026. The EPA created rules in early 2024 to collect these fees from energy companies.
The previous administration tried ending tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. Officials said this would’ve saved taxpayers $121 billion over ten years. Biden’s team pushed renewable energy projects on government-owned land. They stopped approving new natural gas export facilities. Energy companies faced requirements to clean up environmental damage they caused. The administration also canceled Keystone XL pipeline construction on Biden’s first day in office.
Biden’s environmental justice programs promised 40% of climate spending would help communities hit hardest by pollution. The White House created a special council for environmental fairness. Plans included a Civilian Climate Corps and more money for clean energy in farming areas. The proposed budget would’ve increased clean energy funding by 30%.
The Inflation Reduction Act gave tax credits to companies making clean electricity. Experts said these credits helped but weren’t enough to reach 100% clean energy without building more power lines. The law also funded methane reduction projects. The Act invested hundreds of billions in clean energy, electric vehicles, and environmental justice initiatives. New Jersey’s experience with rising electricity costs demonstrates the challenges of rapid transition to renewable energy sources.
Critics attacked these policies for threatening America’s energy independence and hurting the economy. They said the government gave billions to green energy companies unfairly. Traditional energy businesses complained about too many rules. Some argued regular Americans paid higher prices for gas and electricity because of these policies.
The Biden administration wanted all government vehicles to run on electricity. Officials said America needed affordable and reliable energy systems. The infrastructure law provided money for clean energy projects. They emphasized building strong, transparent energy networks while noting the country needed more transmission lines to move electricity efficiently.
References
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/unleashing-american-energy/
- https://2021-2025.state.gov/policy-issues/energy/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_policy_of_the_Joe_Biden_administration
- https://www.wri.org/insights/biden-administration-tracking-climate-action-progress
- https://americansforprosperity.org/blog/bidens-energy-policies-hurt-americans/