Trump’s climate agenda gutted America’s carbon tax system, shocking environmentalists nationwide. His administration ditched the Paris Agreement, axed carbon pricing, and dismantled the social cost of carbon framework. Result? A projected $265 billion in clean energy investments threatened and 330,000 jobs at risk. Meanwhile, China’s happily taking the cleantech lead. Funny how “America First” means finishing last in the race that actually determines our planet’s future.
Donald Trump’s return to power has shattered climate progress like a sledgehammer to solar panels. In one fell swoop, he’s dismantled Obama’s climate regulations and yanked the US from the Paris Agreement. Again. Because apparently global consensus on not cooking the planet is just too much bureaucracy.
The president’s approach to carbon pricing? Eliminate it entirely. He disbanded the interagency working group faster than you can say “drill baby drill” and revoked previous decisions on carbon valuation. The social cost of carbon? Gone. Poof. As if pricing pollution was some radical concept instead of basic economics.
Trump’s made it clear the Inflation Reduction Act is in his crosshairs, labeling it the “green new scam.” Clever wordplay, terrible policy. The $265 billion in announced clean energy projects? The 330,000 new clean energy jobs? All at risk because apparently clean air is less important than fossil fuel profits. This threatens the Act’s $370 billion investment in climate initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Trump’s “green new scam” rhetoric threatens billions in clean energy investments and hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The emissions math is brutal. Under Trump policies, we’re looking at a 28% reduction by 2030 instead of the targeted 50%. That’s an additional 4 billion metric tons of CO2 by 2030. Stabilizing warming below 1.5°C? Good luck with that.
His fossil fuel industry support is relentless. More drilling. Fewer regulations. Fast-tracked projects. It’s like watching someone double down on typewriters while computers take over the world. Without the social cost of carbon calculation that priced CO2 at $190 per ton, the financial burden shifts from polluting companies to everyday Americans.
The EPA is getting gutted yet again. Climate skeptics at the helm. Thirty-one environmental rollbacks announced in a single day. Environmental justice offices? Closed. Climate grants? Frozen.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world moves on. China’s poised to dominate the cleantech race while we argue about whether climate change is real. The EU and China are cooperating on emissions trading. Manufacturing for the future is heading to Asia. These countries recognize that renewable energy systems are becoming cheaper and more efficient each year, making the transition economically sensible.
America’s global climate leadership? Dead on arrival. Just like our carbon tax.
