One year after Donald Trump signed the Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law, Americans continue to face soaring energy bills, more toxic emissions, and continued economic stability. In the last year, the Trump administration slashed over $7.5 billion in clean energy investments, killing thousands of domestic, well-paying jobs. Meanwhile, electricity cost increases have outpaced the rate of inflation and families are spending on average $429 more on utilities every year since January 2025. Pollution from coal plants also increased, and the rate of increase in toxic emissions soared to a quarter-century high. In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce issued the following statement: “One year after Donald Trump signed his signature legislative achievement – the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ – into law, what do Americans have to show for it? Jobs cut, higher electricity prices, and more pollution in our air and water. We are far worse off than before this reckless effort to gut renewable energy in favor of more expensive fossil fuels. “And yet, despite his best efforts to strangle it, renewable energy isn’t going anywhere. This spring, solar energy outperformed coal in the U.S. for the first time in history. Offshore wind is winning in court. And Americans are sending a clear message: they want energy that’s more affordable, reliable, and clean – not a rehash of the 20th century.” About the Sierra Club The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
