States step up climate action as Trump rolls back policies

As Trump moves to dismantle environmental protections and withdraw support for clean energy, state leaders and advocates are taking charge of climate action through legal challenges, new policies and renewable energy expansion.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• New York is forging ahead with climate legislation despite delays on key carbon pricing programs. A state agency is positioned to expand wind and solar, though its leadership is hesitant, frustrating advocates.
• California is bracing for legal battles, setting aside $50 million to fight Trump’s policies, including his attacks on EV mandates and emission rules. The state’s environmental advocates are pushing for new laws to hold fossil fuel companies accountable.
• Red states are benefiting from Biden-era clean energy incentives, with Republican lawmakers and labor unions urging the federal government to preserve renewable energy tax credits.

Key quote:

“Building decarbonization doesn’t need federal money or approval.”

— Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO

Why this matters:

Climate action isn’t waiting on Washington. With federal support in flux, states are proving they can drive the clean energy transition — whether through policy, investment or the courts.

Read more: Labor and environmental groups can both win in the clean energy transition. Here’s how.