Paces's Take: What the 2024 Election Means for Clean Energy

The recent election resulted in a Trump victory, raising questions about the implications for the clean energy sector. While we anticipate potential shifts in federal policies to favor traditional energy sources, the momentum for renewables and clean tech remains. Across the nation, state leaders, communities, and the industry are committed to accelerating the clean energy transition with policies that drive economic growth and environmental progress. At Paces, we focus on empowering developers to navigate these changes, ensuring that their projects move forward confidently, regardless of the broader policy landscape. 

State Leadership and Nationwide Support Remain Resilient

Even with the potential changes in federal priorities, it’s crucial to recognize that clean energy continues to enjoy widespread support at the state level and among the American public. 

Recent polling data from SEIA underscores this sentiment:

• 82% of Arizona votes believe solar is good for the state’s economy
• 81% of Nevada voters want to get more power from solar energy
• 78% of Pennsylvania voters support increasing the use of clean energy

These numbers reflect a strong, enduring commitment to renewable energy nationwide. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania are poised to continue advancing policies, like community solar, that promote environmental progress and drive economic growth. At Paces, we believe that state-level initiatives will play a pivotal role in sustaining the clean energy transition, regardless of what is happening at the federal level.

Navigating the Evolving Energy Landscape

As we enter a new chapter in U.S. energy policy, certain sectors within the energy market may face challenges, while others could find new avenues for growth. Here’s what we anticipate for the renewable energy landscape in the coming years:

• Onshoring and U.S. Manufacturing: A renewed focus on domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience could increase demand for renewable power and battery storage, especially in industries like electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced manufacturing, which depend on clean, reliable energy.
• Energy Independence: An emphasis on boosting domestic energy production may benefit sectors like renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen, and nuclear, which align with energy self-sufficiency goals.‍
• Solar + Battery Storage: State-level policies are expected to continue driving growth in solar and battery storage, largely insulating these factors from federal policy shifts. This stability is likely to sustain momentum in renewable energy deployment.‍
• Reduced Federal Support for Renewable Incentives: A potential reduction in federal incentives could slow progress in areas like wind energy, where subsidies have historically played a significant role. However, strong state initiatives and market-driven projects can help mitigate these impacts.

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Staying Engaged in the Clean Energy Conversation

Maintaining momentum in the clean energy transition requires collaboration, innovation, and staying informed. To support the industry and keep our community engaged, we recommend these resources:

• Inevitable, an MCJ Podcast: A weekly podcast about the inevitable impacts of climate change and the innovative solutions shaping a sustainable future.
• CTVC Newsletter: Their post-election newsletter covers what a Trump administration means for the energy sector.
• Catalyst with Shayle Kann: A weekly podcast featuring interviews with experts about the future of decarbonization.
• The Cool Down: A biweekly newsletter that provides insight into the latest climate and clean energy developments and how you can get involved.
• Build, Repeat., a Paces Podcast: In our newly relaunched podcast, we connect with industry leaders who share their experiences in overcoming renewable energy development challenges.

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As we adapt to the changing political landscape, clean energy will continue to be a cornerstone of America’s economic resilience. At Paces, our mission is to equip developers with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and bring projects to life. Solutions like our Permitting Predictor and Environmental Reports provide actionable insights that help developers navigate complexities confidently.