Recent climate and energy policy has been shaped by major legislative swings, and the political makeup of Congress and the White House will determine how much further action is possible. Although Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, President Donald Trump remains in the White House, meaning any new climate or clean-energy legislation would need his signature unless lawmakers could override a veto.
Recent climate and energy legislation
The Inflation Control Act of 2022 provided substantial support for clean energy through tax credits, government subsidies and loans. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 later cut much of the support and financial incentives established by the earlier law.
Both laws were passed during periods of unified government, when the Senate, House of Representatives and presidency were controlled by the same political party. The Inflation Control Act was enacted under Democratic control, while the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed under Republican control.
Political limits on new climate legislation
Democrats currently hold majorities in the House and Senate, but they do not have a two-thirds majority in either chamber. That is the threshold needed to override a presidential veto.
As a result, even if Congress passed legislation intended to strengthen climate policy and support clean energy, President Trump would need to sign it. This would substantially limit the scope of what lawmakers could accomplish before the next election.
Bipartisan energy permitting reform could advance
Some bipartisan compromise may still be possible. One issue to watch after the election is the authorization of permitting reform. In late September, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would overhaul how new energy projects are reviewed and approved in the United States.
The proposed law is intended to eliminate complicated procedures and speed up the permitting process. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill, known as the American Affordability and Jobs Act, on Nov. 9, before the new Congress takes over in November.
The White House supports the bill, and it could pass the Senate if only a few Democrats join the Republican majority. However, the election may alter the Democratic Party’s position. Democrats have until next year to try to renegotiate the agreement, but any changes would still require negotiations with President Trump.
Election-night developments could provide further context on the energy-policy outlook.
Source: www.technologyreview.com