Major US climate policies could change direction after next year's election
Climate-policy experts point to possible changes in environmental regulations if leadership changes in Washington. Current emission-reduction programs might face significant adjustments in 2025
Environmental-policy watchers point to big shifts that might happen in Washington next year. If Donald Trump wins the presidency and Republicans get Senate control some key green-programs could change direction
The biggest impact would be on Joe Bidens main climate-law which puts money into clean-energy projects (this program has been running since 2022); experts say its making real progress. Several important EPA rules are also at risk: these include limits on methane gas leaks power-plant emissions and car pollution standards
- Methane control systems at oil-and-gas sites
- Rules about coal-based power stations
- Car and truck emission limits
Climate-policy specialists think these programs are working well but their future isnt certain. The EPAʼs current rules — which took years to develop and put in place — might get changed or stopped if theres new leadership in DC
The changes could affect how America deals with greenhouse gases; this would impact both domestic and international climate work. Current programs that help companies switch to cleaner energy might slow down or stop working as planned
