Support for renewable energy, once a bipartisan ideal increasingly championed by Democrats, is now showing signs of erosion, particularly within the Democratic and independent voter bases. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates a weakening enthusiasm for green energy tax credits and renewable power sources like wind and solar, a trend that appears to be driven more by shifting sentiments among these groups than by sustained Republican opposition alone. This development points to growing political polarization in energy policy during President Donald Trump's second term and raises concerns about the longevity and implementation of clean energy programs.
The decline in support is evident across several key metrics. Among Democrats, backing for tax credits for electric vehicle purchases has fallen from approximately 70% in 2022 to 58% currently. The drop is even more pronounced among independents, where support plummeted from 49% in 2022 to just 28%. Beyond tax incentives, the willingness of Democrats to consider an electric vehicle for their next purchase also decreased from 56% to 45% in the past year. Concurrently, the percentage of Democrats who view climate change as a "very big problem" for the U.S. has dipped from 71% in 2021 to 58% today. These shifts align with a broader decline in public support for renewable energy, with a Pew Research Center survey showing overall support for wind and solar dropping from 79% in 2020 to 60% in 2025. While Republicans initially drove much of this decline after President Joe Biden took office, Democrats are now also exhibiting less enthusiasm.
Political Pressures Mount
These polling results emerge as Republicans in Congress consider a budget package that could eliminate clean energy tax credits established under Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. President Trump has already taken steps to impose an indefinite ban on federal permits for wind projects and paused payments for the "Solar for All" program. Despite these pressures, some Republican lawmakers are advocating for continued clean energy incentives, with thirteen Republican House members sending a letter urging the Senate to "significantly and strategically enhance" clean energy provisions rather than fully dismantle them.
Experts are weighing in on the reasons behind this waning support. Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at Yale School of the Environment, attributes the declining public enthusiasm to efforts "to link climate change and renewable energy to broader culture war issues." Republican consultant Mike Murphy added that "whenever electric cars are seen through a climate lens, their appeal narrows."
Economic Realities Persist
Despite the political headwinds, the expansion of renewable energy continues. In 2024, solar and wind power collectively accounted for 17% of total U.S. electricity generation. Furthermore, solar installations reached new milestones, with 39.6 gigawatts of capacity added. While these political shifts may not immediately halt the growth of clean energy, as market economics increasingly favor renewables, they could undeniably complicate efforts to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
