Renewables Outpace Fossil Fuels Despite White House Policy Shift

The surge in clean energy persists despite a concerted effort by the Trump administration to dismantle support for the sector. Between February 2025 and July 2026, utility-scale solar capacity climbed 33%, wind capacity grew 8%, and battery storage roughly doubled. During the same period, coal capacity declined by 2.4%, while natural gas saw only marginal gains. Consequently, the renewables' share of US electricity generation has climbed from 22.3% to 29% since the start of the administration's second term.

Ken Bossong, executive director of the nonprofit SUN DAY Campaign, argues that the White House has employed various tactics to hinder the transition, including the repeal of clean-energy tax credits, a freeze on solar grants, and the rollback of electric vehicle subsidies. However, market forces appear to be overriding federal policy. According to EIA data, wind and solar remain the most cost-effective options for new electricity generation, ensuring that solar is projected to maintain its position as the fastest-growing power source through 2027.