Citing federal policy, clean energy investors pulled back nearly $8 billion in projects nationally. Renewable rollout is slowing, but still progressing. 

In the first quarter of 2025, clean energy manufacturers canceled, closed, or downsized nearly $8 billion in U.S. projects across wind, solar, and electric vehicle manufacturing. This pullback represents a stark departure from the post-Inflation Reduction Act investment surge of the past few years. Major setbacks included a $1.25 billion battery cell plant in Arizona and a $2.6 billion Georgia factory. On his first day in office, President Trump froze IRA funding pending review, though a federal judge has since ordered it temporarily reinstated. Proposed tariffs on solar and battery imports are also increasing supply costs. Despite this uncertainty, companies still invested $1.6 billion in March, indicating cautious optimism for domestic clean energy development.

Important Context for Counties: Maryland has long aimed to expand its renewable energy mix, targeting 52.5% clean power by 2030—including 14.5% from solar and 13.02% from offshore wind—under its Renewable Portfolio Standard. In 2025, lawmakers passed HB1036/SB931 (the Renewable Energy Certainty Act) to streamline permitting and boost solar development. Although many goals predate the Inflation Reduction Act, lingering IRA funding uncertainty and new federal tariffs threaten progress. These challenges come as Maryland braces for rising electricity demand—from Virginia data centers and general consumption—heightening the need for reliable, affordable clean energy.

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