Scholar Predicts Trump Will Attack Renewable Energy, Yet Transition Remains

Feb 2, 2026, 2:39 AM

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Sanya Carley, the faculty director of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, has made significant predictions about the future of renewable energy under the re-elected President Donald Trump. Following the November 2024 election, Carley warned that Trump would prioritize fossil fuel interests, which has since proven accurate.

In her op-ed published shortly after Trump’s victory, Carley anticipated executive actions aimed at increasing oil and gas leasing on federal lands and reducing regulatory barriers for fossil fuel extraction. This forecast manifested quickly as Trump’s administration initiated a series of regulatory rollbacks targeting renewable energy projects, particularly those related to wind and solar.

The Trump administration’s aggressive stance on renewable energy has included halting numerous projects and dismantling crucial components of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which had previously supported clean energy initiatives. Carley noted that the repeal of IRA provisions is one of the most significant setbacks for clean energy development, affecting job creation and environmental justice initiatives.

Despite this onslaught against renewables, Carley remains optimistic about the broader energy transition. She points out that while the past year has been tumultuous, the transition is not derailed. Solar energy development, in particular, continues to progress, although it may face challenges due to the altered regulatory landscape.

Carley explained that the chaos created by the Trump administration could lead to a slowdown in renewable projects, which has implications for energy affordability. As fossil fuel projects are prioritized, consumers may face higher energy costs, compounding the affordability crisis that many Americans are already experiencing.

Analysts have observed that Trump’s policies have created significant uncertainty in the energy market, deterring potential investments in renewable projects. The Department of Energy has warned that the current trajectory of energy policy could increase the risk of blackouts, particularly as electricity demand is expected to rise sharply due to the growth of data centers and AI technologies.

Moreover, Carley emphasized that local communities, especially those reliant on fossil fuel economies, are caught in a difficult position. These communities often vote in favor of keeping traditional energy sources operational for economic stability, even as they express a desire for a cleaner energy future.

Looking ahead, Carley believes that while the energy transition may face short-term setbacks, it is still on course for long-term progress. She highlighted the ongoing global momentum behind solar energy, which suggests that significant advancements in renewable technologies will continue regardless of domestic political fluctuations.

In conclusion, while the Trump administration’s approach poses challenges for the renewable energy sector, Sanya Carley’s insights remind us that the energy transition is resilient. Ongoing developments in solar and other renewables indicate that the shift toward cleaner energy is still alive, even amidst regulatory hurdles and market uncertainties.

As the landscape of energy policy continues to evolve, it will be critical for stakeholders to advocate for sustainable practices and invest in technologies that promote a greener future.

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