Following his inauguration on Monday 20th January 2025, on his first day back in office, President Trump issued an array of executive measures to boost American non-renewable energy output, including proclaiming a "national energy emergency".

The stated objective of many of the actions proposed under current energy emergency is to reduce the cost of energy for American consumers. Supporting U.S. oil and gas output, the directive instructs agency leaders to "exercise any lawful emergency authorities available to them, as well as all other lawful authorities they may possess."  However, in contrast he gave the federal government an order to halt all wind energy project permits, stating that until a "comprehensive assessment" of the industry's numerous effects on the environment, economy, and other aspects is completed, the government "shall not issue new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects."

Additionally, Trump effectively repealed the tailpipe emissions regulations put in place by former President Joe Biden, which were intended to "accelerate the ongoing transition to a clean vehicles future and tackle the climate crisis."

The actions of the newly appointed 47th president of the United States ought not to shock to American voters. During his 2024 election campaign, Trump was vocal in his support to the U.S. oil and gas sectors and stated he would overturn rules limiting power plant emissions and roll back government support for electric vehicles.

His position is consistent with that of his first term in office during which the Trump administration focused on rolling back environmental regulations and prioritized fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, over renewable energy. This included withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, which reduced the emphasis on carbon reduction initiatives at the federal level. The administration also reduced support for certain renewable energy initiatives and rolled back incentives for wind and solar power. This included proposals to cut funding for research and development in renewable technologies.

So why do we still predict the USA the renewable energy market will continue to grow?

Despite federal policy changes, while Trump served as the United States 45th president from 2017 to 2021, many states continued to support renewable energy through mandates and incentives, driven by economic factors and public demand. Additionally, the cost of renewable technologies, particularly solar, continued to decline, making them competitive with traditional energy sources. The renewable energy sector demonstrated resilience, as investments continued due to technological advancements and corporate commitments to sustainability. Some industry players adapted by adjusting strategies to capitalize on state-level policies and international markets. As highlighted by investment bank UBS, compared to the four years previously, Trump’s first term in office saw a 50% rise in solar installs.

Alike UBS, who predict that growth, driven by state and corporate emission goals, is "likely to continue", analysts, industry and trade bodies believe the clean power transition will continue to grow the economy under the latest Trump administration.

“Our industry grew by double digits each year under the first Trump Administration and has accelerated this rate of progress since,” The American Clean Power Association CEO Jason Grumet said. “Private sector clean energy investment is bringing jobs and economic opportunity to small towns and rural communities across the nation, while hundreds of new factories have come online in states that have seen far too many good jobs move overseas.”

While future outcomes of the USA’s renewable energy job market under Trumps presidency will depend on many variables, here are our predictions based on his previous policies and market dynamics:

• State and Local Initiatives: States with strong renewable energy commitments may continue to drive job growth at the state level. State policies could counterbalance any reduction in federal support, with states like California, New York, and others continuing to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and workforce development.
• Market Forces and Cost Competitiveness: As the costs of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind continue to decline, market forces are likely to still drive job creation in the sector. Companies looking for competitive energy solutions may invest in renewables regardless of federal policy, supporting job growth in installation, maintenance, and technology development.
• Public and Corporate Demand: Persistent demand for cleaner energy from both consumers and companies prioritizing sustainability can sustain and grow renewable energy jobs. Many large corporations have set renewable energy targets, creating employment opportunities in the sector.
• Innovation and Technological Progress: Continued innovation in renewable technologies can create new business opportunities and job growth, particularly in fields like battery storage, efficiency technologies, and grid modernization.
• Resilience Against Policy Changes: The renewable energy industry has shown resilience to policy shifts through adaptability and private sector leadership. Job markets may stabilize or grow as companies navigate the regulatory landscape by focusing on efficiency and competitive offerings.
• International Influence: Global market trends and international agreements could indirectly influence job growth in renewables by necessitating certain standards and practices that align with global objectives.

Overall, while federal policy under a second Trump term may impose some challenges, particularly for the growth of wind energy production, various factors can significantly mitigate these impacts and continue to sustain growth in the renewable job market. These include state-level initiatives, technological advances, capitalising on the strong progress made over the last 2 administrations and private sector commitment.

Lewis Lines, Regional Director, USA at JD Ross Energy comments:

“Whilst there is still uncertainty about how the incoming administration will affect the renewable energy market, particularly around Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and what the ‘scalpel’ or ‘sledgehammer’ approach to tax credits might mean, customer sentiment is generally optimistic.”

“Given the projected load growth driven by data centers, AI, electrification and overall manufacturing and industrial growth, it is clear we will continue to experience increasing demand and, with the Republican ‘all of the above’ approach to US energy dominance, renewable energy is expected to play a significant role in meeting it.”

“In addition to that, a major obstacle for many solar developers has been permitting and interconnection so, whilst regulatory reform will enable more fossil fuel projects than before, many renewable developers are expecting to see the same regulatory reform pave the way for them to bring advance more renewable projects.”

At JD Ross Energy, we provide market-leading talent solutions for the renewable and clean energy sectors, integrating our team at every stage of the recruitment lifecycle and across all areas of clean energy transition. To find out how we can partner with your organisation to build and execute your talent strategy, or if you looking are looking for the next step in your clean energy career, visit jdrossenergy.com or contact us at hello@jdrossenergy.com.