By Andi Anderson
Ohio’s clean energy sector faces an uncertain future as President-elect Donald Trump takes office, with his 2024 campaign emphasizing a repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This act, passed in 2022, marked the largest federal investment in clean energy to date, allocating over $300 billion for various projects, tax credits, and subsidies.
So far, two-thirds of the IRA’s funding has been spent, but the fate of the remaining funds under the Trump administration remains unclear.
Local advocates, like Dana Kuhnline of Reimagine Appalachia, believe much of the distributed funding will be safe, with completed clean energy projects in Northeast Ohio, such as solar energy initiatives and appliance replacement programs, unlikely to be reversed.
According to the U.S. EPA, Ohio has benefited from nearly $300 million in clean energy investments, supporting the region’s transition to more sustainable practices.
In 2023, more than 109,000 Ohio families benefited from over $150 million in clean energy tax credits, helping to reduce household energy costs. While clean energy investments are expected to continue, the approach may shift.
Kuhnline worries about the potential for reduced emphasis on community and worker.
Upcoming policy discussions, such as the Farm Bill, will be key for Ohio’s agricultural and clean energy interests, as the Trump administration reshapes federal priorities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-d-keine
Categories: Ohio, Energy