Washington, D.C. — As the Trump administration rolls back federal climate protections and undermines clean power, states are stepping up to advance policies that tackle climate change, lower energy bills, improve air quality, and support good-paying clean energy jobs.
A new report from the Center for American Progress shows how states are working to build out affordable clean energy faster and strengthen accountability for utility and data centers. They are also pairing climate action with near-term benefits around affordability, public health, extreme weather resilience, and jobs.
“State and local governments have always played a leadership role on climate, but the conditions of 2026 have raised the stakes,” said Frederick Bell, associate director for state climate policy at CAP and author of the report. “In the face of the Trump administration’s rollback of pollution standards and attacks on clean energy, the choices states make now will shape affordability, resilience to extreme weather, and clean energy growth in the years ahead.”
The report examines key gubernatorial and legislative actions so far in 2026, with special attention to executive orders and bills that are moving, have passed at least one chamber, or have been signed into law. It also analyzes that activity across four key areas: the power sector, transportation, buildings, and industrial policy.
- In the power sector, some states are reworking how their electricity system is planned, built, and paid for, with a growing focus on ensuring households benefit from affordable clean energy and energy storage.
- In transportation policy, some states are actively building out their electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to address range anxiety and support broader EV adoption. Some state lawmakers are also looking to crack down on emissions from warehouses, distribution centers, and freight systems.
- Buildings sector policy is focused on lowering energy bills, reducing emissions, and improving how homes hold up to extreme weather.
- Industrial policy is focused on how and where clean industry facilities are built, with states moving to lower costs, attract investment, and strengthen domestic manufacturing to remain competitive.
Read the report: “State Climate Action in 2026: How States Are Delivering Real Benefits Through Climate and Clean Energy Policy” by Frederick Bell
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected]