Red states reap most benefits from climate law they oppose

A majority of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy jobs and investments have flowed to Republican states, despite their lawmakers’ opposition.

Kristi E. Swartz reports for Floodlight.


In short:

  • The Inflation Reduction Act has led to more than 330 clean energy projects, generating 109,278 jobs and $126 billion in investments, mostly in GOP districts.
  • Conservative states like Georgia and North Carolina have seen significant economic boosts, yet their representatives remain critical of the climate law.
  • Some Republicans are reconsidering their opposition, fearing repeal could hurt their states' economies.

Key quote:

“This is what I truly believe is the biggest economic revolution that this country has seen in generations, and it’s because we finally, finally, finally in this country decided to do something about climate change and clean energy.”

— Bob Keefe, executive director of E2

Why this matters:

The IRA is reshaping the U.S. economy, particularly in conservative regions, but political resistance to the law could jeopardize these gains, affecting both the environment and jobs.

Related: Opinion: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding

Oil drilling rig silhouetted against a red sunset sky.

Canada announces new methane emission standards for oil and gas sector

The new rules, which will take effect in 2028, aim to cut emissions by 75% by 2035.

people gathered outside buildings holding Climate Justice Now signage.

Here's the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest

A new study finds that repression of environmental protest is rising worldwide and Indigenous land defenders face the greatest risk.
Greenpeace ship in port.

Greenpeace’s fight with pipeline giant exposes a legal loophole

A court filing by a group with deep ties to the pipeline company Energy Transfer raises questions about the growing use of amicus briefs in litigation.
burgers and fries inside box.

Ultra-processed diets drive obesity and climate change — but solutions are within reach

Diets around the world dependent on ultra-processed foods and animal-based agriculture are driving obesity rates and climate change, but solutions exist that would bolster health, and save money and the planet, according to a new review. 
skyline photography of nuclear plant cooling tower blowing smokes under white and orange sky at daytime.

India's Parliament approves bill to open civil nuclear power sector to private firms

India’s Parliament has approved new legislation to open the civil nuclear power sector to private companies.

Portrait of President Donald Trump with American flag in background.

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

In 2025, the list of metals became a top priority under President Trump. But what even are they?

A river running through a canyon surrounded by mountains.

The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water

The lifeblood of the West is drying up — and scrambling state and local politics.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.