Republicans' "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBA) effectively repealed much of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, as the bill phases out incentives for solar and wind power, the clock is running to deploy as much clean energy as we can.
Luckily, there's a lot on our side:
- Cost: Solar and onshore wind remain the most affordable sources for new energy generation, often costing less or being competitive with traditional sources like gas and coal.
- Speed: Solar and wind projects can be deployed much faster than gas plants, which are experiencing delays, making them ideal for meeting rising energy demands.
- Grid Reliability: When combined with increasingly affordable battery storage, renewable energy enhances grid reliability and can meet demand effectively, even providing a near 24-hour supply in sunny areas.
What needs to happen next:
- Despite federal legislative hurdles (like tax credit restrictions and "Foreign Entity of Concern" requirements), states have a limited window to maximize clean energy deployment.
- To accelerate progress, states should coordinate agencies, fast-track clean energy procurement, implement siting and permitting reforms, and press for interconnection reforms with Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs).
Source: AltruisticMilk_