A ‘strategic mistake of colossal proportions’: Why Trump is losing the war on renewables

Key Points:

• Despite President Trump's aggressive push to expand fossil fuel production and efforts to block renewable energy projects, American interest in clean energy, particularly solar and offshore wind, continues to grow significantly.
• The Trump administration has attempted to halt offshore wind projects citing national security concerns, but federal judges have blocked bans, and states like California and New York are actively challenging these moves through lawsuits and legislation.
• Solar energy surpassed coal in the US electricity mix for the first time in May 2026, with solar output reaching record highs despite the removal of residential solar tax credits under the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
• Solar companies report strong sales growth, indicating rising consumer demand for rooftop solar installations, driven by a desire for energy ownership and independence from traditional utilities.
• New York is advancing the Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act to legalize plug-in solar panels, aiming to expand solar access to renters and residents of multi-unit buildings, potentially transforming energy consumption patterns in the state.