In the United States, even as federal support of clean energy and responses to climate change has reversed, progress on solar, wind, batteries and other clean technologies hasn‘t stalled — it has shifted. States and local communities at home, along with countries overseas, are now leading the race, motivated by a recognition of the economic, competitive, and national security advantages clean energy delivers.

Solar, wind, and other clean energy systems are not only cheaper to build, but also far less costly to run over their lifetimes. And as homeowners, cities, and countries reckon with rising costs due to climate change — from wildfire to drought and extreme storms — cutting emissions remains a pressing priority. In 2025, worldwide investment in clean energy is expected to hit $2.2 trillion, twice the amount headed to fund new oil, gas, coal, and other fossil fuels. For the past 10 years, investment in clean energy has outpaced funding for fossil fuels.

RMI has always worked with stakeholders at all levels of the US government, and across the political aisle. Now, in the face of headwinds at the federal level, RMI is doubling down on state and international action. On this page, we document the market dynamics, politics, and policy driving this power shift and who is leading the charge on clean energy.