Wind turbines viewed from above situated in green agricultural fields.

Trump’s clean energy rollback puts U.S. manufacturers on edge

President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act have rattled clean energy companies that relied on the law’s tax credits to expand U.S. manufacturing.

Benjamin Storrow reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • The Inflation Reduction Act spurred investment in U.S. battery, solar, and wind manufacturing, but Trump’s proposed cuts to climate programs and new tariffs on imports have raised concerns about industry stability.
  • Some companies, like solar cell manufacturer ES Foundry, remain hopeful but acknowledge risks, as analysts warn that U.S. clean energy factories still depend heavily on imported components.
  • Nearly $8 billion in clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025, as uncertainty over tax incentives and potential trade restrictions complicates investment decisions.

Key quote:

“This now will delay things. Of course, the U.S. will then have to push even more in a few years to just attract investment back into the country. It will not be easy.”

— Tim Fischer, vice president at Ramboll, an offshore wind consulting firm

Why this matters:

The U.S. clean energy sector is at a crossroads. The Inflation Reduction Act helped revive domestic manufacturing, but political uncertainty could stall progress. At the heart of the issue is America’s ability to compete with China, which dominates global solar panel and battery production. Even with federal subsidies, U.S. manufacturers have struggled to match China’s low costs. Tariffs may offer some protection, but they also risk driving up prices for American consumers and businesses looking to transition to clean energy.

Beyond the economic impact, a slowdown in clean energy manufacturing could set back the country’s progress on climate goals. The Biden administration had aimed to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, with the IRA serving as the cornerstone of that effort. Now, the trajectory is less certain, leaving manufacturers, workers, and climate advocates wondering how far the U.S. will be able to advance its clean energy economy as the Trump administration seems intent on undermining those investments.

Related: House Republicans push to protect clean energy tax credits in budget fight

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In short:

  • Britain’s largest offshore mussel farm, located to avoid sewage pollution, is still plagued by harmful bacteria like E. coli, blocking exports to Europe and damaging the shellfish industry.
  • Water companies discharged sewage for 3.6 million hours in 2023, contaminating rivers and coastlines, harming tourism, and forcing the government to review the sector. Privatized firms, which have paid billions in dividends, are accused of neglecting infrastructure upgrades.
  • Activists and clean water advocates are fighting back, linking sewage failures to stalled construction projects, biodiversity collapse, and public health risks, forcing officials to confront decades of underinvestment and weak oversight.

Key quote:

“It’s criminal that they’re allowed to dump what they dump in the seas and get away with it. It's affecting all sorts of businesses, including us.

— Sarah Holmyard, sales manager at Offshore Shellfish

Why this matters:

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Embracing rainwater through green infrastructure

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