If you follow Generation180, you know how transformative the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was. It was the largest investment in clean energy in U.S. history — creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, slashing emissions, and unlocking billions in clean energy projects.

Now, with the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), many of the IRA’s most impactful provisions are being phased out. This is a setback, no question. But this moment calls for resilience — and renewed, proactive strategy — not despair.

What’s at Risk — and What Must Be Defended

The BBB eliminates or shortens key clean energy tax credits that have been helping millions of Americans make the switch to solar, EVs, heat pumps, and more. Without these tax incentives, many households will be discouraged from adopting the upgrades — despite the long-term savings that come with these investments.

Key IRA clean energy incentives that are being phased out or eliminated:

• Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D): 30% off solar and geothermal for homeowners — now expires December 31, 2025.
• Clean Vehicle & Charging Credits (Sections 30D, 25E, 30C). New and used EV credits expire after September  30, 2025, and EV charger credit expires after June 30, 2026.
• Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C). Current credit (30% for insulation, windows, doors, HVAC) also ends after December 31, 2025.
• New Energy Efficient Home Credit (Section 45L). Credit for builders of energy-efficient homes terminated for properties acquired after June 30, 2026.
• Investment Tax Credit for Solar & Wind (Section 48E). 30% ITC for commercial wind and solar ends after December 31, 2027, unless construction begins by July 4, 2026 (then must be placed in service by end of 2027).

These rollbacks are projected to raise electricity prices by at least 8.4%, and even trigger double-digit increases in some states. The BBB reverses the opportunity for progress, allowing federal environmental safeguards and fuel-efficiency standards — once proven to save drivers trillions — to be permanently weakened, as environmental reviews and community input initiatives are bypassed.

These are huge hits to public health, climate resilience, and American industrial competitiveness and innovation — but it is not the end.

Why We Can Still Win

If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, you’re not alone. History shows that progress is still possible — even under a contrarian federal administration and congress.

During Trump’s first term:

• More coal plants were retired from 2017-2020 than in the previous four years.
• Solar capacity more than doubled, and wind energy grew at record rates.
• Major fossil fuel projects, like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, were defeated by organized, persistent community action.

These wins didn’t happen by accident. They happened because people — neighbors, students, faith leaders, small business owners — stood up, organized, and made their voices impossible to ignore.

What’s Already Happening in 2025

• The U.S. is still on track toward 500,000 public EV charging stations, with over 200,000 already live (Auto News).
• Solar and battery storage are set to lead all new U.S. power plant construction this year.
• Automakers like Ford are staying the course on EV production, even without federal backing (Politico).
• Student climate leaders in Virginia and Montana have already notched victories for emissions reductions and the right to a clean environment.

We Still Have Momentum

1. State-level strategy is our strongest line of defense

State governments now have a critical opportunity to step in where federal leadership falters. RMI spells out urgent actions states can take to keep clean energy moving forward:

• Accelerate EV adoption for individual, public, and private fleets before those tax credits sunset on September 30, 2025.
• Reform permitting and interconnection processes so clean energy projects can break ground before critical incentives vanish.
• Fill financial gaps to maintain momentum in solar, wind, storage, and beyond. Additional strategic moves — from zoning to incentives — can further unlock investment, jobs, and clean energy growth.

By empowering states to move fast, we can sidestep the worst impacts of the IRA’s repeal.

2. Narrative, grassroots, and inclusive messaging are critical

A recent Trellis piece from Jigar Shah, former Director of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) at the U.S. Department of Energy 2021-2025, urges a robust, multi-pronged defense of the clean energy narrative:

• Run a coordinated media campaign to counter misinformation — spotlighting stories like how solar keeps the lights on during blackouts or how EVs cut air pollution.
• Mobilize grassroots: residents, students, solar installers, co-ops, faith leaders — light up the phone lines and submit op-eds and letters. Real people with real stakes get attention.
• Center the messaging on workers and families, not just climate — because clean energy means jobs, cheaper bills, and economic opportunity.

It’s not enough to fight policy; we must win the public opinion that shapes politics, demonstrating climate solutions have economic benefits now, improving the lives of everyday Americans.

3. Industry Resilience — Even Under Pressure

Despite the loss of Federal support, some sectors — especially EVs — are pushing ahead. Politico reports that even as Trump-backed rollbacks hit EV incentives and pollution rules, automakers continue their EV plans, underscoring how market demand and corporate strategy can persist.

4. Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Systems

The EPA recently issued a proposal to reverse the Endangerment Finding, a declaration from 2009 that greenhouse gases (GHGs) endanger public health and welfare. But our legal system is pushing back. The GAO recently ruled that the Trump administration illegally withheld $5 billion in EV charging funds under the NEVI program — a reminder that some checks and balances still hold weight.